Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), one non-randomsied controlled trial and one before-and-after study were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Non-theory-based interventions: these typically included single sessions communicating HIV preventive strategies through individual or group counselling or video presentations.
Theoretically-based interventions: these were based on psychological theories, and were typically multi-session programmes that included skills training and strategies to modify perceived peer or partner beliefs about risk-taking behaviour.
Participants included in the review
Women aged from 12 to 40 years, sampled in a range of settings. These included adolescent health, obstetric and primary care clinics, a methadone maintenance programme, a family health centre and an African-American community-based organisation. Studies were excluded if they sampled primarily commercial sex workers. The majority of women in the included in the review were ethnic minority women.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Primarily, reduction in sexual risk behaviours, knowledge, and condom use, though other outcomes are also reported in the appendices.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The papers were assessed for relevance by two independent authors.