COMPUTER-DELIVERED SEXUAL RISK REDUCTION INTERVENTION

OVERVIEW

A brief computer-delivered intervention was developed to reduce sexual risk taking among college students.  In a random assignment study, college students assigned to receive the computer-delivered sexual risk reduction intervention were compared with students assigned to receive a computer-delivered nutrition intervention.   Sexual risk reduction subjects also increased their condom use knowledge and their frequency of keeping condoms handy to a greater extent than did control subjects.  There were no significant differences between groups on motivation to use condoms or condom-use behavioral skills, however.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

Target population: college students

In line with the information-motivation-behavioral skills model, this intervention sought to provide participants with information on HIV, motivate participants to engage in HIV-preventive measures, and equip participants with the skills necessary to perform HIV-preventive behaviors.  All intervention content was computer-delivered and was tailored to each individual participant's skills and needs. 

The first intervention session provided participants with condom use information, facts about the advantages of using condoms, and negotiation skills training.  The session also included a computer-directed tutorial on putting on condoms.  At the end of the first session, each participant engaged in a motivational interview that helped the participant to select an appropriate condom-use goal and to think through why that goal was important and how it could be achieved.  Condom use goals ranged from "think about a place where you would keep a condom handy in case you need one" to "use a condom even when you're drunk," depending on the participant's readiness to change.

The second intervention session occurred two weeks after the first and gave participants an opportunity to reflect on their progress towards their condom-use goal.  Participants who had achieved their goal engaged in a "discussion" with the computer about barriers they might face in maintaining that goal and how they would overcome those barriers.  Participants who had not achieved their goal were prompted to reflect on how they might achieve that goal in the future.

EVALUATION(S) OF PROGRAM

Evaluated population: 157 college students from the University of Connecticut served as the study sample for this investigation.  The majority (71%) of subjects were female.  81% were white; 6% were Latino; 5% were African American; and 5% were Asian American.  At baseline, 82% of subjects reported already having had sexual intercourse.

Approach: Subjects were randomly assigned to the treatment group or the control group.  Subjects assigned to the treatment group took part in the computer-delivered sexual risk reduction intervention.  Subjects assigned to the control group took part in a computer-delivered nutrition intervention.  All subjects completed baseline questionnaires before receiving the intervention.  Subjects completed follow-up questionnaires four weeks after completing the initial intervention session (two weeks after completing the second intervention session).

Results: Sexual risk reduction subjects also increased their condom use knowledge and their frequency of keeping condoms handy to a greater extent than did control subjects.  There were no significant differences between groups on motivation to use condoms or condom-use behavioral skills, however.

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

References:

Kiene, S.M. & Barta, W.D.  (2006).  A Brief Individualized Computer-Delivered Sexual Risk Reduction Intervention Increases HIV/AIDS Preventive Behavior.  Journal of Adolescent Health, 30, 404-410.

Program categorized in this guide according to the following:

Evaluated participant ages: 18+

Evaluated participant grades: college students

Program age ranges in the guide: youth

Program components:

Measured outcomes: reproductive health

Keywords: other, White/Caucasian, co-ed, condom use and contraception, youth, young adults, computer-based
 

Program information last updated on 9/12/08.