Efficacy of Behavioral Interventions to Increase Condom Use and Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Meta-Analysis, 1991 to 2010, Lori A. J. Scott-Sheldon et al., J. AIDS (2011)

Researchers at The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine and the University of Connecticut released a report last month demonstrating that behavioral interventions aimed at reducing "sexual risk behaviors," such as unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse, are effective at promoting condom use and also reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They performed a meta-analysis (an analysis that combines the results of studies that address related hypotheses) of 42 studies that had been conducted worldwide that assessed the efficacy of HIV-related interventions such as HIV education and safer sex practices on behavioral outcomes, like condom use, as well as biological outcomes such as a STI or HIV diagnosis.

The authors found that behavioral interventions were successful at improving condom use and reducing STI infections, including HIV, for up to four years. These interventions were particularly successful when they specifically addressed the cultural, social and economic barriers to condom use.

While the association between behavioral interventions and increased condom use and subsequent STI reduction may not be surprising for some, this study is the first to find definitive evidence of this correlation. As a result, the authors concluded that implementation of effective, culturally-appropriate behavioral interventions within a wide range of population groups should be highly prioritized.

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