(Abstract for Roundtable at 1998 Prevention Summit: HIV Prevention Community Planning Leadership Meeting)

Authors: Metcalf C, Malotte K, Douglas J, Paul S, Kalichman S, Dillon B, Peterman T.

Objective: To report on the design and rationale of a large multicenter testing and counseling study, currently in planning stage.

Project RESPECT demonstrated that 2-session HIV/STD prevention counseling was effective at preventing STDs. Because many STD clinic clients do not return for HIV test results and post-test counseling (in non-study conditions), rapid HIV testing is an important option to consider in this setting. A new study, RESPECT-2, plans to address issues raised by Project RESPECT and new testing technologies. It aims to (1) develop prevention counseling to be used with rapid tests; (2) assess the effectiveness compared to the 2-session prevention counseling (shown to be effective in Project RESPECT); and (3) assess whether additional 'booster' counseling sessions prolong the counseling effects.

Methods: STD clinic clients in Long Beach, Denver, and Newark will be asked to participate in an intervention trial. Participants will be randomized to have either a rapid HIV test or standard EIA, and also randomized to receive or not receive booster counseling. Participants will have follow-up interviews and STD screening at regular predetermined intervals. Behavioral measures and STD incidence will be used to assess intervention effectiveness.

Results and Conclusions: Research design and methodology will be presented. Results will not be available until completion of the study (2001).