EFFECTIVENESS OF A SPECIALIZED VS. TRADITIONAL AIDS EDUCATION-PROGRAMATTENDED BY HOMELESS AND DRUG-ADDICTED WOMEN ALONE OR WITH SUPPORTIVEPERSONS

This research examined the impact of including a supportive person on the outcomes of two culturally sensitive AIDS education programs, an e ducation-only (traditional) program and a program combining education with self-esteem and coping enhancement (specialized). Research partic ipants in this quasi-experimental study included 241 homeless women, w ho were randomly assigned by residence (drug treatment program or shel ter) to one of four treatment groups. The outcomes measured at baselin e, 6, and 12 months were risk behaviors, cognitive factors, and psycho logical functioning. Study results demonstrated significant improvemen ts at both 6 and 12 months for the entire sample in all psychological, behavioral and cognitive outcome variables except active coping. Wome n in the specialized program improved more on AIDS knowledge and reduc tion in non-injection drug use than did those in the traditional progr am, but their active coping scores declined. Participation of a suppor tive person did not appear to have any effect on outcome.