Sexual risk reduction interventions for HIV prevention among South African youth: A meta-analytic review

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Citation: Scott-Sheldon L.A., Walstrom P., Harrison A., Kalichman S.C., & Carey M.P. (2013). Sexual risk reduction interventions for HIV prevention among South African youth: a meta-analytic review. Current HIV Research, 11(7), 549-558.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of sexual risk reduction interventions among South African youth.
METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify studies published between 2007 and early 2013. Studies were eligible if they (1) targeted youth age 9-26, (2) evaluated sexual risk reduction interventions and (3) reported at least one behavioral outcome. Independent raters coded study characteristics, and intervention content. Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated; positive effect sizes indicated less sexual risk behavior and incident STIs.
RESULTS: Ten studies (k = 11; N = 22,788; 54% female; 79% Black-African) were included. Compared to controls, interventions were successful at delaying sexual intercourse and, among sexually active youth, at increasing condom use. A single study found reductions in the incidence of herpes simplex virus-2, but not HIV.
CONCLUSIONS: Implementing behavioral interventions to delay sexual debut and improve condom use can help to reduce the transmission of HIV among South African youth.

Keywords: Adolescents (13-19 years), Adults (20-59 years), Behaviour Modification (e.g., provision of item/tool, incentives, goal setting), Community, Education / Awareness & Skill Development / Training, LMIC (low-to-middle-income countries), Meta-analysis, School, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Youth Health