Alcohol and sexual risk reduction interventions among people living in Russia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIDS Behav. 2014 Oct;18(10):1835-46. doi: 10.1007/s10461-013-0615-9.

Abstract

Russia has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption and is experiencing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world. Given these co-occurring health problems, we systematically reviewed combined alcohol and sexual risk interventions to reduce HIV among Russians. We completed comprehensive electronic searches to locate studies that (a) sampled people living in Russia, (b) used a behavioral intervention, and (c) assessed both alcohol and sexual risk behavior. These searches yielded 584 studies, of these, two were included. Compared with controls, intervention participants reported increasing their condom use (ds ranged from 0.12 to 0.85). Within-group improvements in sexual behaviors were found for both groups (ds ranged from 0.19 to 1.94); participants reported fewer sexual partners, more condom use, and reduced alcohol or drug use before sex. These findings support the need and potential benefits for alcohol and HIV interventions among Russians, and suggest directions for public policy.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Risk-Taking
  • Russia / epidemiology
  • Sex Work / psychology
  • Sex Work / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / prevention & control*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology
  • White People