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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be introduced to SEPA, an evidence based HIV prevention intervention.
Learning Objective 2: Identify the impact of SEPA through the discussion of this program of research and its successful implementation and dissemination in different settings.
Methods: SEPA is an evidenced-based HIV risk reduction intervention initially designed for Mexican and Puerto Rican women in Chicago. In the first randomized controlled trial, 657 Hispanic women between 18 and 44 years old were assigned to SEPA or to a delayed-intervention control group. Women completed structured interviews at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-baseline. SEPA intervention was culturally tailored and consisted of six weekly sessions, two hours long. The groups were conducted in Spanish or English according to participants’ preference.
Results: SEPA intervention increased condom use and improved HIV knowledge, partner communication, risk-reduction behavioral intentions, and decreased perceived barriers to condom use. After this trial, SEPA was successfully adapted and implemented in different settings and diverse Hispanic communities, including: Mano a Mano, initiative for women and men in Chile (R01TW-03-007769-5; RO1 007674-5), DYVA, VIDA, I, STIPI, SEPA-O and SEPA II within El Centro (NIH/MCHMD P60MD002266). In addition, SEPA III an effectiveness trial is being implemented to reduce the gap between research and practice.
Conclusion: SEPA has contributed to nursing research on health disparities and HIV prevention by providing a culturally specific and evidence based intervention that is effective and that it can be implemented in different settings and different Hispanic populations. SEPA will be disseminated to diverse organizations for wide-scale use.