Behavioural interventions in the control of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases--a review.

Abstract

In the absence of an effective cure or vaccine, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) preventive measures have focused on education and information to prevent and reduce high risk behaviours associated with AIDS/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Strategies to change behaviour can be divided into 4 stages: information dissemination, motivation and persuasion, self-efficacy and skills development, and community support to sustain behavioural change. This paper discusses the application of behaviour change and social learning theories to control the spread of AIDS/HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. A review of the effectiveness of behavioural interventions among high risk groups such as homosexuals, intravenous drug users, commercial sex workers and adolescents is also outlined. A deeper understanding of and an increased attention to social network, organisational, cultural and environmental factors influencing behaviour is needed for the implementation of behavioural interventions. Behavioural strategies that focus on the individual must be supplemented with efforts to create economic, political and social environments that support the behavioural change.