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WiLLOW: Reaching HIV-Positive African-American Women Through a Computer-Delivered Intervention

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Abstract

WiLLOW is an evidence-based, group level HIV prevention program for African-American women living with HIV. This study evaluated the efficacy of a multimedia adaptation of WiLLOW in enhancing protective sexual behaviors and psychosocial mediators associated with HIV risk reduction. Using a randomized controlled design, 168 participants completed baseline, satisfaction, and three-month follow-up assessments. At follow-up intervention participants reported higher proportions of condom protected sex acts (p = .002) with both HIV-negative (p = .040) and HIV-positive (p = .003) partners. They were also more likely to report 100 % condom use (OR = 9.67; p = .03); fewer unprotected vaginal and anal sex acts (p = .002); significantly greater sexual communication self-efficacy (p = .004); and less stress (p = .012). Participants rated Multimedia WiLLOW favorably in four satisfaction categories—enjoyment (p < .001); information utility (p = .018); information clarity (p = .015) and held attention (p = .01).

Resumen

El programa WiLLOW está desarrollado a nivel de grupo para la prevención del VIH en mujeres afroamericanas viviendo con el virus. Este estudio evaluó la eficacia de una adaptación multimedia de WiLLOW para fomentar conductas sexuales protectoras y mediadores psicosociales asociados con la reducción de prácticas de riesgo del VIH. Usando un diseño aleatoriamente controlado, 168 participantes completaron una encuesta basal, un estudio de satisfacción, y tres meses después una evaluación de seguimiento. Las participantes de la intervención reportaron proporciones significativamente altas de actos sexuales protegidos con condón en los últimos 30 días (p = .002) tanto para parejas VIH negativo (p = .04) como VIH positivo (p = .003). Hubo también una mayor probabilidad de reportar al 100 % el uso de condón (OR = 9.67; p = .03); un promedio ajustado inferior de actos sexuales vaginales y anales desprotegidos en los últimos 30 días (p = .002); comunicación sexual auto eficaz (p = .004) altamente significativa; y menos estrés (p = .012). Las participantes evaluaron favorablemente Multimedia WiLLOW en cuatro categorías de satisfacción: ameno (p < .001), información útil (p = .018), claridad de la información (p = .015) y captación la atención (p = .01).

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Notes

  1. The original WiLLOW study data collection instrument included coping, stress and self-esteem scales, but these variables were not reported in the publication of study findings.

  2. Multimedia WiLLOW may be purchased through the Sociometrics website, www.socio.com

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by an SBIR grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R44 MH07712). We express our gratitude to our community partners, the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Inc. and the Orange County Health Department, whose commitment and hard work made this study possible. We would also like to thank Gina Wingood and Ralph DiClemente for their generous help on product development; Lynn Gayle for supporting our statistical analyses; and all the women who gave of their time to participate in the project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anthropology Department, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR, 97207, USA

    Charles H. Klein

  2. Sociometrics Corporation, Los Altos, CA, USA

    Carmela G. Lomonaco & Josefina J. Card

  3. Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

    Rik Pavlescak

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  1. Charles H. Klein
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  2. Carmela G. Lomonaco
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  3. Rik Pavlescak
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  4. Josefina J. Card
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Correspondence to Charles H. Klein.

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Klein, C.H., Lomonaco, C.G., Pavlescak, R. et al. WiLLOW: Reaching HIV-Positive African-American Women Through a Computer-Delivered Intervention. AIDS Behav 17, 3013–3023 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0479-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0479-z

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