Reducing HIV Risk Among Pregnant Women in Drug Treatment

HIV is a critical and costly health problem for American women. Among pregnant drug abusers,
sex- and drug-related HIV risk behavior occur at alarming rates. While
motivationally-enhanced HIV risk behavior interventions have demonstrated efficacy with
similar populations, very little work has been directed toward pregnant women in drug abuse
treatment. The long-term objective of this research program is to reduce HIV risk behavior
among pregnant women engaged in drug abuse treatment by developing and establishing the
efficacy of an intervention that combines motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and
skill building exercises. Furthermore, we seek to advance knowledge of the mechanism of
action by which interventions reduce HIV risk behavior. In the present application, we
propose to develop and pilot test an intervention that addresses both sex- and drug-related
HIV risk behavior among pregnant women in drug treatment. In the first phase of the study,
we will conduct focus groups with pregnant women in drug treatment, as well as a focus group
with their treatment providers, in order to determine key areas of emphasis for an
intervention in this population. We will then develop an HIV risk behavior intervention for
pregnant women in drug treatment, pilot the intervention with 20 women, and elicit their
feedback regarding the intervention. Following refinement of the intervention, we will
conduct a small randomized trial (n=60) to examine the efficacy of the intervention relative
to standard care (SC). We expect that, relative to SC, participants randomized to the
intervention condition will have lower levels of sex- and drug-related HIV risk behavior. We
will also examine the potential mechanisms by which the intervention produces a reduction in
HIV risk behavior. If found to be efficacious, this intervention will help to reduce the
acquisition of HIV among pregnant drug abusers, improving health outcomes for the women and
their children.Relevance to Public Health: The proposed study is designed to develop and
test an intervention to reduce sex- and drug-related behavior that places pregnant drug
abusers at risk for HIV infection. If successful, this intervention could reduce the rate of
HIV infection in these women and their children.

Inclusion Criteria:18 years of age or older, less than 32 weeks gestation, drug dependence
(other than nicotine), have engaged in sex- or drug-related HIV risk behaviors at least
monthly for 3 months prior to recruitment -

Exclusion Criteria:Currently psychotic, unable to provide names and contact information
for two people who could serve as locators

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