AN EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAM TO REDUCE AIDS RISK AMONG FEMALE SEX PARTNERS OF INJECTION-DRUG USERS

This article describes the development and implementation of an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) intervention program for female sex partners of male injection-drug users. Four psychoeducational workshops were designed to motivate personal risk reduction, provide participants with necessary cognitive and behavioral skilis, and enhance participants ' perceived ability to enact positive changes in their lives. The development of the workshop modules was guided by traditional theories of health behavior change and social learning. Also included in the intervention are referral and advocacy services, personal risk reduction counseling, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing. Preliminary results indicate that the program has made a significant impact on the AIDS risk of participants-9 1 percent of women who completed the program reported that they had made positive changes in their lives to reduce their risk of HIV infection