Are Sexually Transmitted Infection/HIV Behavioral Interventions for Women of Color Culturally Grounded? A Review of the Literature

: Although behavioral interventions for women of color have been shown to be effective in reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), STI/HIV rates continue to increase. To alleviate sexual health disparities, it is necessary to understand the cultural behaviors of the target population to design culturally grounded interventions. The purposes of our review were to examine the current state of STI/HIV behavioral interventions for women of color, determine how culture has been incorporated into interventions, and identify gaps in the literature. We reviewed 17 articles targeting women of color between the ages of 13 and 65 years. Findings suggest the need for interventions that are culturally grounded, group based, and delivered face-to-face and in multiple sessions to reduce STI/HIV risk behaviors. Although many of the studies were effective, we found three major gaps: (a) the need to examine intervention sustainability, (b) limitations in the adaption of theoretical frameworks, and (c) clarity in how to infuse culture into interventions.