DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COMPLETERS AND EARLY DROPOUTS FROM 2 HIV INTERVENTION TRIALS - A HEALTH BELIEF APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING PREVENTION PROGRAM ATTRITION

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify factors predicti ng program attrition among participants in human immunodeficiency viru s (HIV) risk reduction trials. Methods, Participants were gay/bisexual men and severely mentally in adults recruited to take part in HIV ris k refluction small-group interventions. Program completers were compar ed with participants who were assessed at baseline but then failed to attend any sessions. The health belief model provided a framework for selection of possible predictors of program attrition. Results. Younge r age was associated with early dropout in both samples. Other predict ors among gay/bisesual men included involvement in an exclusive sexual relationship. minority ethnicity, injection drug use, and higher perc eived severity of AIDS. Severely mentally ill dropouts were less knowl edgeable about safer sex methods and more likely to hold positive outc ome expectancies for condom use. Conclusions. Evaluation of interventi on effectiveness among vulnerable population segments is threatened if there is selective attrition. Better methods are needed to attract an d maintain participation in HIV prevention programs. Alternatively, wi dth application of ''intention to treat'' analysis of intervention out comes is recommended io minimize selection bias due to program dropout .