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Purpose: This study employed a static group comparison design with 106 men in residential treatment to examine the relationship of race to treatment retention. Methods: A retrospective analysis of retention, by race, including survival analysis, was undertaken. Results: Findings from the study indicated that (a) Caucasian men complete treatment more frequently than African American men, (b) Race was not predictive of time in treatment, and (c) that race was a factor in the receipt of both criminal justice coercion and case-management both of which were strong predictors of time in treatment. Conclusions: Race serves as a factor in the receipt of services related to retention. Future research should focus on further exploration how race impacts retention, and the interaction of race with coercion and the receipt of case-management. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

The threat of HIV/AIDS to African American's health has become the focus of much concern. This study investigated the potential differences between African Americans' and white college students' current and future sexual behaviors and safer sex behaviors with HIV/AIDS awareness, condom use self-efficacy, and safer sex attitudes. A convenience sample of 156 college students from three public universities was used. Of those who were sexually active, more African American than white respondents reported they used condoms frequently, and more African Americans indicated they would use condoms regularly in the future. No racial differences were found in intentions for future casual sex, condom use self-efficacy, or attitudes toward safer sex practices. Although the results suggest that for this sample African American college students appear to have internalized safer sex messages to a greater degree, both groups reported a lack of consistent safe-sex practices, which may put them at risk of HIV/AIDS.

Objective: This article provides an evaluation of a federally funded faith-based program that serves African Americans who use heroin and cocaine and are at risk for HIV/AIDS in Nashville, Tennessee. Methods: Data were collected from 163 individuals at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-up interviews. A subset of participants (n = 51) completed all three interviews. Results: Results suggested that this culturally relevant set of interventions was successful in reducing substance use and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. The program was able to show data that supported the efficacy of a faith-based approach emphasizing spirituality rather than directive, aggressive, authoritarian, or coercive counseling techniques. Discussion: The model is important to the continued development of culturally relevant interventions that are vital to decreasing the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS within the African American community. (Contains 4 tables.)

This paper provides outcomes from an evaluation of a federally funded program combining HIV prevention services with an integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment program to a population of primarily African American ex-offenders living with, or at high risk for contracting HIV in Memphis, Tennessee. During the 5-year evaluation, data were collected from 426 individuals during baseline and 6-month follow-up interviews. A subset of participants (n = 341) completed both interviews. Results suggest that the program was successful in reducing substance use and mental health symptoms but had mixed effects on HIV risk behaviors. These findings are important for refining efforts to use an integrated services approach to decrease (a) the effects of substance use and mental health disorders, (b) the disproportionate impact of criminal justice system involvement, and (c) the HIV infection rate in African American ex-offenders in treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study employed a static group comparison design with 106 men in residential treatment to examine the relationship of race to treatment retention. Methods: A retrospective analysis of retention, by race, including survival analysis, was undertaken. Results: Findings from the study indicated that (a) Caucasian men complete treatment more frequently than African American men, (b) Race was not predictive of time in treatment, and (c) that race was a factor in the receipt of both criminal justice coercion and case-management both of which were strong predictors of time in treatment. Conclusions: Race serves as a factor in the receipt of services related to retention. Future research should focus on further exploration how race impacts retention, and the interaction of race with coercion and the receipt of case-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of education and the stigma attached to HIV testing, African American men are less likely to seek outreach services; therefore they are often unaware of their HIV status. Stigmatization of homosexuality in communities of color may also influence the availability of HIV/AIDS education and services; compounded with the fact that access to appropriate health care may be limited in these communities. While infection rates among African American men having sex with men (MSM) are well documented, research on effective interventions is not, and is particularly limited for these men who are substance users and participate in the sex trade for drugs. This article explores and documents the experiences of African American MSM in a southeastern metropolitan city who are involved in the commercial sex trade, and presents the results of a focus-group investigation conducted specifically to gain input about accessing outreach services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses African Americans, their being representative of one-third of all cumulative AIDS cases in the U. S., and how prevention and treatment have continued to be problematic because of a general distrust of mainstream social services. Traditional middle class European American intervention treatment models do not consider the barriers to prevention and intervention facing African Americans. Research has emphasized the need for promoting prosocial motives, including re-entry into a moral community, renewed spirituality, self-esteem, and establishment of one's role in the family.

Objective: This article provides an evaluation of a federally funded faith-based program that serves African Americans who use heroin and cocaine and are at risk for HIV/AIDS in Nashville, Tennessee. Methods: Data were collected from 163 individuals at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-up interviews. A subset of participants (n = 51) completed all three interviews. Results: Results suggested that this culturally relevant set of interventions was successful in reducing substance use and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. The program was able to show data that supported the efficacy of a faith-based approach emphasizing spirituality rather than directive, aggressive, authoritarian, or coercive counseling techniques. Discussion: The model is important to the continued development of culturally relevant interventions that are vital to decreasing the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS within the African American community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]