Structuring HIV prevention service delivery systems on the basis of social science theory Article

Valdiserri, RO, West, GR, Moore, M et al. (1992). Structuring HIV prevention service delivery systems on the basis of social science theory . Journal of Community Health, 17(5), 259-269. 10.1007/BF01324356

cited authors

  • Valdiserri, RO; West, GR; Moore, M; Darrow, WW; Hinman, AR

abstract

  • In order to identify the optimal configuration of HIV prevention programs, it is necessary to examine different theoretical models of behavior change. Cognitive/decision-making theories of human behavior change are compared to social learning theories vis-a-vis their influence on the structure of service delivery systems. Cognitive/decision-making theories ascribe behavior change to the provision of new information and favor the development of homogeneous interventions providing clients with information about risk behaviors. These interventions are easily standardized across delivery sites and various target populations. Social learning theories view behavior change as a series of stages and recognize the influence of sociocultural variables. They favor multiple heterogeneous interventions in a variety of settings, with the provision of skills training as well as information. Ongoing HIV prevention research indicates that social learning theories provide a more accurate paradigm of human behavior change for the complex behaviors related to HIV risk. Public health agencies must therefore continue to strengthen organizational and referral relationships with community-based organizations that can provide the specialized prevention interventions called for by social learning theory. This will require ongoing collaboration and technical assistance. © 1992 Human Sciences Press, Inc.

authors

publication date

  • October 1, 1992

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 259

end page

  • 269

volume

  • 17

issue

  • 5