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Presenter: David Pérez-Jiménez, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Discussant/Mentor: Renato Alarcon, M.D.,MPH, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Promoting Safer Sex in Heterosexual Latino Couples: A pilot study on the effect of a Group-Based Intervention.

Author: David Pérez-Jiménez

Background:
Heterosexual sexual relations have become one of the principal modes of HIV transmission, particularly for women. They find themselves immersed in unequal gender relations where men decide how, when, and where sexual relations will take place. Negotiating safer sex under these circumstances becomes almost an impossible task for women. Promoting behavior change in the context of the relationship is necessary to guarantee that both members of the couple enhance their skills to negotiate safer sex.

Method:
A group oriented for heterosexual couples was designed. Twenty six couples participated in this project (15 experimental group; 11 control group). Participants of the experimental group received and intervention directed to prevent HIV/AIDS, while the control group received an intervention directed to promote parental skills when raising children. Chi-square and T-Test were performed to identify relationships between variables and group differences. 

Results:
T-Test revealed that the intervention had a positive effect in changing attitudes toward male condom use (t = 3.472, p = .001) and the practice of mutual masturbation (t = 3.085, p = .004). Attitudes for male condom use and the practice of mutual masturbation were more favorable for the experimental group after the intervention. The intervention also had a positive effect in increasing male condom use for vaginal sex (X² = 8.485, p =. 014). It was not effective in promoting the practice of mutual masturbation as safer sex method. No differences in the practice of this activity were found as a result of the intervention.

Conclusions:
Results suggest that promoting behavior change in stable relationships is feasible. These findings, while preliminary and warranting further confirmation, represent a new hope in transcending the individual level of intervention and considering both members of the relationship as the focus of the intervention.