Characterizing and improving HIV/AIDS knowledge among cocaine-dependent outpatients.

Abstract

The present study was an experimental test of efficacy of a brief education intervention for increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge among cocaine-dependent outpatients. Participants were randomly assigned to an HIV/AIDS education intervention (experimental condition) or a sham intervention (control condition). Control participants were subsequently crossed over to the HIV/AIDS education intervention. Experimental participants had higher scores on tests of HIV/AIDS knowledge after receiving the education intervention than did control participants. Further supporting the intervention's efficacy, control participant scores also increased once participants were crossed over and received the education intervention. Scores at follow-up were lower than at postintervention but remained higher than baseline scores. Results support the intervention's efficacy for increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge among cocaine-dependent outpatients. This intervention is brief, inexpensive, and easily implemented.

• Authors: Sarah H Heil, Stacey C Sigmon, Joan A Mongeon, Stephen T Higgins
• Journal: Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology (Exp Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 238-43 (Aug 2005) ISSN: 1064-1297 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16173887 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
• Copyright: ((c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).

Topics

• Cocaine-Related Disorders (psychology)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Female
• HIV Infections
• Humans
• Male
• Outpatients (psychology)
• Patient Education as Topic (methods)