The effectiveness evaluation of a multimedia hepatitis C prevention program for Hispanic HIV-infected individuals.

Introduction: With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a primary health problem among individuals suffering from HIV/ AIDS in Puerto Rico, principally those who are injecting drug users (IDUs). A multimedia educational intervention, based on the Health Beliefs Model and Social Cognitive Theory was developed and implemented to reduce HCV-associated risk behaviors among IDUs.

Methods: A pre- and post- intervention study evaluated the knowledge and behavioral changes in a group of HIV-infected persons recruited from February 2006 through December 2008.