Predictors of sexual behavior patterns over one year among persons at high risk for HIV

This study examined the sexual risk act patterns of individuals who participated in the NIMH National Multisite HIV Prevention Trial. Patterns of sexual risk were examined over 1 year among 3,104 participants from 37 clinics in 7 regional sites, within both intervention and control conditions. Four patterns were assessed: 100% protected sex or abstinence at follow-up points; improved condom use or abstinence, but not completely protected behavior; relapse to unsafe sex; and unchanged protection. Participants in the intervention condition who responded to the intervention with consistently protected behavior were significantly more likely to be older or young adults, recent immigrants to the United States, and to not barter sex or have alcohol-related problems. The consistently protected participants in the control condition were also significantly more likely to be older. The intervention is likely to be particularly effective with clients in STD clinics with large immigrant populations. Specialized HIV prevention interventions may be needed for commercial sex workers, young persons, and those with alcohol-related problems.