Single-session behavioral interventions for sexual risk reduction: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based, single-session STI/HIV interventions to reduce sexual risk taking are potentially effective options for implementation in resource-limited settings and may solve problems associated with poor participant retention. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to estimate the efficacy of single-session, behavioral interventions in reducing unprotected sex or increasing condom use. METHODS: Data sources were searched through April 2013 producing 67 single-session interventions (52 unique reports; N = 20,039) that included outcomes on condom use and/or unprotected sex. RESULTS: Overall, participants in single-session interventions reduced sexual risk taking relative to control groups (d + = 0.19, 95 % CI = 0.11, 0.27). Within-group effects of the interventions were larger than the between-groups effects when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, targeted single-session sexual risk reduction interventions demonstrate a small but significant effect and should be prioritized.

• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
  • General HIV- population
• Prevention
  • Sexual risk behaviour
  • Education/media campaigns
• Health Systems
  • Delivery arrangements