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Critical Reviews: Community Prevention Efforts to Reduce the Spread of AIDS Associated with Intravenous Drug Abuse

NCJ Number
129070
Journal
AIDS Education and Prevention Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 235-243
Author(s)
C G Leukefeld; R J Battjes; Z Amsel
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A meeting at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, held in February 1988 resulted in recommendations on developing community HIV prevention programs targeted toward intravenous drugs users (IVDUs) and their sex partners and initiating prevention research aimed at decreasing the spread of HIV among this population.
Abstract
The objectives of community health promotion programs should include teaching target groups specific behavioral skills in self-regulation; monitoring knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and risk-related behaviors among the groups; and continuously evaluating the program. Community AIDS prevention in particular must reach out to less visible target groups, use both broadcast and print media, and tailor behavioral change strategies to the target population's unique parameters. Specific community intervention recommendations focused on the goals of drug abstinence and HIV prevention, drug abuse treatment, outreach program needs, and opportunities for intervention within the criminal justice system. Research recommendations stressed the need for data to guide interventions as well as outcome research to evaluate program effectiveness. 18 references (Author abstract modified)