Meta-analysis of single-session behavioral interventions to prevent sexually transmitted infections: implications for bundling prevention packages

Am J Public Health. 2012 Nov;102(11):e34-44. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300968. Epub 2012 Sep 20.

Abstract

Evidence-based, single-session behavioral interventions are urgently needed for preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To estimate the efficacy of single-session, behavioral interventions for STI prevention, we collected data from 29 single-session interventions (20 studies; n = 52 465) with an STI outcome. Infection with an STI was 35% less likely (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval = 0.55-0.77) among intervention group participants than among control group participants. Single-session interventions offer considerable benefits in terms of disease prevention and create minimal burden for both the patient and the provider. Brief and effective STI prevention interventions are a valuable tool and can be readily adapted to bolster the benefits of biomedical technologies focusing on the prevention of HIV and other STIs.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Counseling* / methods
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult