Results

Half of the 18 programmes targeted heterosexual adults, five targeted drug users, three targeted ‘high-risk’ young people and three targeted gay- and non-gay-identified men who have sex with men (MSM). These are not mutually exclusive; some targeted several categories. Four exclusively targeted people with HIV, including one specifically for heterosexual adults, one for MSM and one for high-risk young people who used recreational drugs.

Thirteen of the studies had more than 50% ethnic minority subjects, and seven were exclusively for ethnic minorities (four for African-Americans, one for Hispanics and one for both). Eight studies exclusively targeted women and one targeted women and their male partners. Nine out of ten programmes reporting the socioeconomic status of participants had a majority of unemployed subjects.

All of the programmes relied on at least one theory of behaviour change. Seven programmes were sited at clinics, five in community venues or public areas and three in community-based organisations. Fourteen were led by a professional of some sort – therapist, counsellor or facilitator – while six were peer-led (again, not exclusively). Most interventions had a range of between 9 and 18 hours of subject participation, delivered in four to nine sessions, though one consisted of a one-hour intervention and one of 32 hours.