Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire during each study visit, similar to the questionnaire completed at the first visit. When the information from the study is analyzed, the number of STIs that are detected in each group during the study period will be compared, in order to measure the relative effectiveness of each testing and counseling combination. Risk behavior in each group will also be compared. All counseling in this study follows the principles of prevention counseling recommended by the CDC . The CDC recommendations are based on the latest scientific research on what has been shown to be effective.
Counseling is tailored to each individual client.
This includes an assessment of each client's risk behaviors and circumstances. Counselors work with each client to develop realistic goals for reducing personal risk, and to decide on a small step to take to reduce the client's risk of HIV infection. Counselors also help clients plan how to go about carrying out this risk-reduction step, and how to get around barriers that might stand in the way. NOVA Research Company is managing the study data and provides computer software for completing questionnaires by computer. Beth Dillon wrote the counseling protocols and trained the counselors.