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Influence of partner participation on sexual risk behavior reduction among HIV-Positive Zambian women

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Abstract

Sexual risk behavior interventions in sub-Saharan Africa focus predominantly on individual and couples counseling. This cognitive-behavioral group intervention was adapted from an urban US context to urban Zambia. Preliminary data analyses assessed the influence of partner participation on sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive Zambian women. Female participants (n=180) attended four group intervention sessions and received sexual behavior skill training and male and female condoms; male partners (n=152) were randomly assigned to high-or low-intensity genderconcordant group intervention sessions. Sexual risk behavior, strategies, attitudes, and knowledge were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. At baseline, 19% of males reported using alcohol before sex, 10% reported using alcohol to cope, and negative coping was associated with sexual risk behavior. In contrast, 1% of women reported using alcohol before sex, and 15% used alcohol as an HIV-coping strategy. Consistent barrier use was reported by 48% of women and 74% of men. After intervention, female high intensity participants reported higher rates of condom use (F=5.68, P=.02), more positive condom attitudes, safer sex intentions, and less alcohol use. These findings highlight the influence of male partners in implementation of effective risk reduction interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, 33161, Miami Shores, FL

    Deborah L. Jones PhD &  Danielle Ross

  2. University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida

    Stephen M. Weiss

  3. University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia

    Ganapati Bhat & Ndashe Chitalu

Authors
  1. Deborah L. Jones PhD
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  2. Danielle Ross
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  3. Stephen M. Weiss
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  4. Ganapati Bhat
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  5. Ndashe Chitalu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Deborah L. Jones PhD.

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Jones, D.L., Ross, D., Weiss, S.M. et al. Influence of partner participation on sexual risk behavior reduction among HIV-Positive Zambian women. J Urban Health 82 (Suppl 4), iv92–iv100 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/jti111

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