Behavioral Interventions Increase Condom Use, Decrease STIs

Behavioral interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors can also successfully lower rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to a report in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.

A meta-analysis of 42 studies evaluating the effectiveness of HIV-related behavioral interventions found that these interventions were successful at improving condom use and reducing STI incidents for up to four years.

Researchers found that interventions were more successful at improving condom use when social, cultural and economic barriers were addressed and that participants were less likely to acquire STIs after the intervention if they were diagnosed with an STI or HIV when they entered the study. This is the first analysis that supports the theory that behavioral changes result in fewer STIs.

To read the Lifespan statement, visit: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-12/l-bic121511.php.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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