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

Curr HIV Res. 2013 Oct;11(7):549-58. doi: 10.2174/1570162x12666140129105726.

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.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Young Adult