Outcome evaluation of a sex education intervention for high risk Portuguese women

Objectives: The objective of this study is the outcome evaluation of a sex education intervention (HIV Prevention standard information) in a sample of 60 Portuguese women with specific risk criteria for HIV infection. Methods: Sample and Procedures Women were recruited from a youth gynechological consult in the Portuguese Institute of Youth. Their ages ranged between 16 and 29 years (X = 20). A sample of women received a one session sex education intervention focused on HIV prevention (Kamb et al., 1998). A control group of 30 women (no intervention) was also included. Instruments: Pre- and pos-test measures were taken using questionnaires on condom negotiation, general perceived self-efficacy, perceptions of risk, reasons for not practicing safer-sex, loss of resources, depression, alcohol and drug use, current safer sex practices and STD markers. Follow-up is planned for 3 months. Intervention: The intervention is one-to-one and is based on two informative brochures read by a psychologist guided through a manual with standardized information about HIV/AIDS. This intervention is based on one session of 60 min. The first brochure defines AIDS and has a risk behaviour list to review with the women (e.g., number of sexual partners, condom use, partner associated risk, sexual practices) as well as information related to myths and beliefs about HIV/AIDS, and epidemiological data about HIV/AIDS in Portuguese women. The second brochure has the most frequent questions and answers about HIV/AIDS. Results: Statistical analysis are still being conducted. We predict an improvement in the experimental group (intervention) in the psychosocial variables evaluated and in sexual knowledge after the intervention, which in contrast no significant change is expected for the control group. Conclusions: The results will be interpreted in terms of determining the impact of this kind of educational intervention in changing attitudes, knowledge and behaviour related with HIV risk in Portuguese women.