COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT ON AIDS IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the effectiveness of
intervention methods in changing HIV risk behaviors among IVUDs and
sexual partners. The project will examine: 1) differential
effectiveness of various intervention strategies for targeted sub-groups
(Mexican origin Hispanics, Native Americans, prostitutes, and
incarcerated individuals); 2) changes in knowledge, attitudes and risk
behaviors between baseline and multiple post-intervention observation
points; 3) comparisons of effectiveness between intervention components;
and 4) changes in seroprevalence rates for each population sub-group
from base-line to post-intervention. The methods for achieving the program objectives involve random
assignment of participants to one of four intervention groups: 1)
Control (no intervention); 2) Standard (one 45 minute HIV educational
session; 3) Enhanced (standard session plus 2 hour group skill building
sessions; 4) Enhanced Plus (Enhanced plus 1 two hour group session four
months post intervention). The sample size will consist of 75
individuals enrolled each month (900 per year) (33% Anglo, 33% Hispanic,
33% Native American). Of the targeted sample, 40% will be sexual
partners. The research will include a formative, process, impact and outcome
evaluation. The process evaluation will describe the implementation and
coordination of the program and examine the process as it affects
participants, staff, and the community. The impact evaluation will
assess the relative effect of the interventions in producing the desired
change in HIV risk behaviors among participants. Data will be collected
at baseline, and three six months post intervention. Hypothesis and
research questions will be examined by descriptive and multi-variate
techniques. Results and recommendations based upon the results will be
disseminated through various technical transfer methods.