The Effect of Prevention Messages and Self-Efficacy Skill Building With Inner-City Women at Risk for HIV Infection

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gender-sensitive and culturally relevant HIV prevention film messages combined with self-efficacy and skill building exercises on self-reported safe sex behaviors, intentions, attitudes, and self-advocacy over time. A sample of 131 women of mixed ethnicity from inner-city Boston who were living in transitional housing participated in a 4-week pre/postmeasurement design. Results showed that, despite the short duration of the intervention, participants self-reported significantly more use of safe sex behaviors and being prepared for sexual intimacy after the intervention. The study validated use of an approach originally intended for African American women with other women at risk for HIV.

Key words: film intervention, HIV prevention, inner-city, transitional housing, women