HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for Rural Adolescents in Malawi

Malawian adolescents are at risk for HIV infection. Using a quasi-experimental two-group research design, we determined the efficacy of Mzake ndi Mzake Kuunikira Achinyamata (MMKA) in enhancing 13-to 19-year-old Malawian males' and females' HIV knowledge, attitude about HIV, self-efficacy for condom use and for safer sex, and HIV risk reduction behaviors. The regression analyses revealed that compared with their cohorts in the control community, the adolescents in the MMKA community had significantly better scores on the outcome variables. The intervention had significant benefits for male and 16-to 19-year-old adolescents but not for 13- to 15-year-old female adolescents. Tailored interventions are needed for these females.