1. Intro
  2. Part C
  3. Part D
  4. Part F
  5. SAMHSA
  6. SISTERS
  7. HR-3MV-CBOP
  8. Clinical Trials

HR/3MV/CBOP

Healthy Relationship Intervention


Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems, Inc. (JCCSI) in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has implemented the Healthy Relationship Intervention (HRI) throughout Southeastern and Central Arkansas to focus on behavioral changes of individuals to reduce the transmission of HIV. Our mission is to empower individuals living with HIV/AIDS to make positive choices that will reduce stress factors. Through the building of values, expectations, and the development of problem solving skills, individuals will experience a better quality of life.


“Empowering People to Make Positive Choices”

Background:
The Healthy Relationship Intervention (HRI) was first conducted at the AIDS Survival Project in Atlanta, Georgia in 1997-98. The project was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2001), vol. 21 (2): pages 84-92 in an article titled Effectiveness of an Intervention to Reduce HIV Transmission Risks in HIV-Positive People. Estimates of HIV transmission risk showed that the intervention resulted in lower male-to-male and male-to-female transmission. Further analysis indicates that the intervention had similar effects across a variety of groups including those with different sexual orientations, incarceration history, drug use history, psychiatric history, or current drug use. These results demonstrate that Healthy Relationships is broadly applicable across subpopulations. They also show that the effects are long-term (at least up to six months) and affects both reported behaviors and perceived self-efficacy.

The HRI is a 5-session, group level intervention with men and women living with HIV/AIDS based on the Social Cognitive Theory. The theory states that persons learn by observing other people successfully practice a new behavior. Of course, behavior change is not simple, and many factors affect a person’s ability to change. Social Cognitive Theory considers that behaviors, environment, attitudes, and belief influence and depend on each other. Therefore, in order for persons to successfully change their behavior, they need:

  • Information- awareness of risk and knowledge of techniques for coping with the environment
  • Self-efficacy- belief in their ability to control their own motivations, thoughts, emotions, and specific behaviors
  • Outcome expectations- belief that good things will happen as a result of the new behavior
  • Social skills- ability to communicate effectively, to negotiate, and to resist pressures from others
  • Self-regulating skills- abilities to motivate, guide, and encourage oneself and to problem-solve
    Reinforced values- “rewards” produced by attempts at a new behavior, as opposed to “cost”

In November 2003, JCCSI became the pilot project for the HRI. JCCSI received funding from CDC June 2004. At that time, The Arkansas Minority Health Commission release the “Arkansas Racial and Ethnic Health Disparity Study Report” (Nash, Creshelle, MD, MPH & Ochoa, Eduardo Jr., MD - Spring 2004). The study reflects that HIVAIDS was ranked #2 among the top health disparities in Arkansas.

As of June 2009, JCCSI has enrolled 245 clients into the program. Ninety-one percent (91%) of those clients has successfully completed the intervention and have reported significant behavioral changes.

Program Goals:

  1. Clients to access information in a convenient and non-threatening environment
  2. Provide referrals to mental health, specialty services, individual and/or group counseling, support groups, and primary interventions services
  3. Promote self-empowerment and enhance the quality of life through awareness, problem-solving and decision-making skill building techniques.
  4. Reduce sexual risk behaviors of men and women living with HIV/AIDS

Eligibility Criteria:

  • HIV positive status
  • Engaged in unprotected sex and/or needle-sharing activities within the past 6 mts.
  • Problems disclosing your HIV status to family, friends, and sex partners

Services Provided:

  • Meals (breakfast/lunch)
  • Transportation
  • Incentives: $120 Wal-Mart Gift Cards
  • Referral Services Linkage (housing, dental, mental health, medical, etc.)
  • Condoms and Educational Material
  • Annual Booster Sessions ($50, prizes, & food)(only for clients that have completed HR)

Intervention Staff
Project Director - Hattie M. Scribner, BS, ASN (Hattie_mbj@yahoo.com)
HR Facilitator: Nadine Cogshell (Cogshelln@yahoo.com)
HR Facilitator: Sylvana Niciteretse (Sylvanant4@hotmail.com)
Research Assistant: Derrick Newby (Dnewby700@hotmail.com)
Internal Evaluator: Angela Smith (Agsmith1@sbcglobal.net)
Administrative Assistant: Vivian Smith (Viviansmith27@yahoo.com)

For further information, please contact us at 501-663-7166.

Take the opportunity to view JCCSI HIV/AIDS Awareness Commercials on www.YouTube, type in HaborCityTV, and click on the name of the commercials listed below.

Knowing HIV/AIDS in Arkansas
Pajama Party
Arkansans with HIV