Lightfoot, M., Rotheram-Borus, M.J., Comulada, S.W., Reddy, V.S., & Duan, N. (2014). Efficacy of brief interventions in clinical care settings for persons living with HIV. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 53(3), 348-356. PMID: 19996978.
This quasi-experimental study compared the efficacy of computer-delivered and provider-delivered brief interventions to reduce the transmission of HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse. The authors developed a motivational interviewing-based intervention for patients living with HIV. The intervention assessed patients’ personal values, encouraged protecting others from the transmission of HIV, and provided feedback on the congruence of patients’ values and actions. The computer-delivered and provider-delivered interventions were similar, except for their delivery. Six clinics participated in the study and either provided consenting patients with the computer-delivered intervention (n=2), the provider-delivered intervention (n=2), or standard care (n=2). Sexual behavior was assessed quarterly when patients returned to the clinic for appointments. A total of 566 patients participated in the study and completed follow-up assessments. Results of the study showed that the computer-delivered group had greater reductions in the number of unknown sexual partners than the provider-delivered and standard care groups. Patients that received the computer-delivered intervention also had greater decreases in the number of unprotected sexual activities relative to those that received standard care.