Primary Prevention of Sexually Transmitted HIV Infections: Transferring Behavioral Research Technology to Community Programs

Abstract

Behavioral research to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has made significant progress over the past decade. Most importantly, studies have repeatedly shown that theory-based prevention interventions that build self-efficacy through self-management and communication skills training successfully reduce HIV risk behaviors. Simultaneously, communities have mobilized to develop programs that assist persons in reducing their risk for HIV infection. The degree to which behavioral sciences have contributed to community-based HIV prevention programming is examined in this paper through a systematic assessment of technology transfer in the area of sexual risk behavior reduction. We analyzed the content of twelve community-based HIV risk-reduction programs targeting gay and bisexual men developed by seven of the nation's largest AIDS service organizations. Telephone interviews were conducted with community program developers to determine the source of their programs and whether they had been influenced by behavioral sciences. Evidence was mixed with respect to the degree to which behavioral sciences have contributed to the development of community-based programs. Program elements often reflected research-based models but with questionable fidelity. Evidence for diffusion of research-based information occurred most often when community organizations received direct consultation from behavioral scientists. We suggest that technology transfer in HIV prevention requires behavioral scientists working in communities to serve as translators of theoretical constructs for practical applications. Preventing the spread of HIV could therefore be improved through partnerships between behavioral researchers and communities.