Kalamazoo, MI–In the absence of a cure or vaccine for HIV infection, prevention of AIDS can occur by effectively changing sexual habits such as by reducing the number of sexual partners or using condoms. By altering these habits, an individual can reduce the risk of exposure to HlV. A number of psychological factors can promote change in sexual behavior. Those factors include (1) knowledge of risky sexual practices, (2) knowledge of the alternatives to risky practices, (3) motivation for changing risky practices, and (4) needed skills for changing risky practices.

Dr. B. Wayne Fuqua and associates have identified a number of the necessary skills for altering risky sexual behavior. The majority of those skills involve effective communication such that an individual can tactfully refuse sexual advances and/or request the use of condoms and spermicide. Other skills involve the ability to comfortably and accurately purchase and apply condoms. Fuqua has developed a videotape that depicts college students engaging in the above mentioned skills.

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