Seth M. Noar, PhD, Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Elizabeth Webb, MA, Dept. of Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Stephanie Van Stee, MA, Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Colleen Redding, PhD, Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Sonja Feist-Price, PhD, Dept. of Special Education & Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Richard Crosby, PhD, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and Adewale Troutman, MD, MPH, MA, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Louisville, KY
Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis: Computer technology-based interventions offer much promise given their ability to deliver interactive and multimedia content tailored to the individual at a relatively low cost. Innovative preventive interventions encouraging at-risk African Americans to increase safer sexual behaviors are especially urgently needed.Methods: The current paper presents the development of the Tailored Information Program for Safer Sex (TIPSS), an individually tailored, theory-based, computer-delivered intervention designed to increase consistent and correct condom use among heterosexually active African Americans visiting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. The intervention was developed over a 2-year period through the collaboration of three groups: a research team, graphic design team, and technical development team.Results: Formative qualitative research (focus groups, total N = 81) and quantitative surveys (total N = 293) with the target audience informed the development of the intervention. The intervention is based on the Attitude-Social Influence-Efficacy (ASE) model and skills training principles. Stage of change serves as the central organizing construct for the intervention. The program assesses individuals by partner type (main partner, casual partner) and delivers individually tailored feedback on condom attitudes, social influences, self-efficacy, and condom negotiation. The TIPSS program also contains two skill-building exercises – one on condom negotiation and the other on correct condom use. The intervention is currently being tested in a randomized controlled trial at a large, publicly funded STD clinic in the southeastern United States. The steps taken to develop this innovative, computer-tailored intervention will be discussed, and preliminary data from the ongoing trial will be presented. Screen shots of the finished intervention will also be presented.Conclusions: Computer-tailored interventions offer much promise for health communication and effective message design. Rigorous formative research and outcome evaluation of such programs are greatly needed in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention.Implications for research and/or practice: This study offers lessons in the development and evaluation of a theory-based, computer-tailored intervention for a disadvantaged population.
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