Research

The APRP is involved in evidence-based research on the impact of behavioral approaches in reducing the transmission of HIV worldwide, as well as research on behavioral factors that place people at risk of HIV. The APRP supports research of HIV prevention approaches that:

  1. Are behavioral, not primarily technological or biomedical in nature;
  2. Are appropriate to the type of HIV epidemic (i.e. generalized or concentrated);
  3. Learn from and build upon indigenous knowledge and local culture;
  4. Recognize the role of community values, including spiritual and religious beliefs, in influencing behavior;
  5. Are cost-effective, feasible and sustainable;
  6. In general seek to avoid risk, rather than mainly to reduce the risk of inherently risky behaviors;
  7. Are innovative and seek creative solutions that extend beyond the standard or heretofore most common approaches in prevention; 
  8. Account for the role of gender in sexual risk and behaviors.

Current research areas include:

Multiple concurrent partnerships among urban young adults in South Africa

Past and current behavioral change approaches in Uganda

Community-based HIV prevention, including the contribution of community and faith-based organizations and traditional healers

The potential of male circumcision and partner reduction to reduce HIV transmission

Factors that place youth and women at risk, and HIV risk within marriage

For recent presentations by APRP researchers, click the following links (or visit News & Publications or Symposia & Events)

New Evidence Guiding How We Conduct AIDS Prevention [1633 KB] (Dr. Edward C. Green)

Evidence-Based Behavior Change HIV Prevention Approaches for Sub-Saharan Africa (Dr. Daniel Halperin)

Part 1:

Epidemiological Evidence I

Part 2:

Epidemiological Evidence II

Part 3:

HIV Prevention Evidence 

Part 4 (coda):

2005/06 Behavior Change Communication Efforts in Swaziland [1185 KB]

 

Trends in Sexual Behavior Among African Youth [137 KB] (Ms. Allison Herling Ruark)