ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF HIV RISK REDUCTION COUNSELING IN IMPOVERISHEDAFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN - A STRUCTURAL EQUATIONS APPROACH

We assessed changes in cognitive, psychological, and risky behavior la tent variables after traditional or specialized AIDS education after 2 years using structural equation modeling (SEM) in a sample of impover ished at-risk African American women (N = 300). Both groups reported s ignificant improvement at 2 years in their self-esteem and social reso urces. They also reported less threat perception, avoidant coping, emo tional disturbance, HIV risk behavior, and drug use behavior. There wa s an advantage to specialized group membership. When compared with the traditional group at 2 years, women in the specialized group reported enhanced social resources, reduced emotional distress, less use of an avoidant coping style, and less drug use. We discuss advantages of cu lturally sensitive HIV risk reduction programs and the importance of c onnecting women with social services available in their communities.