ENHANCING MOTIVATION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV-INFECTION FOR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED URBAN WOMEN

This research evaluated a motivation-based HIV risk reduction interven tion for economically disadvantaged urban women. Participants complete d a survey that assessed HIV-related knowledge, risk perceptions, beha vioral intentions, sexual communication, substance use, and risk behav ior. A total of 102 at-risk women (76% African American) were randomly assigned to either the risk reduction intervention or to a waiting li st. Women were reassessed at 3 and 12 weeks. Results indicated that tr eated women increased their knowledge and risk awareness, strengthened their intentions to adopt safer sexual practices, communicated their intentions with partners, reduced substance use proximal to sexual act ivities, and engaged in fewer acts of unprotected vaginal intercourse. These effects were observed immediately, and most were maintained at follow-up.