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Abstract
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In the absence of a vaccine or cure, behavioral change remains the major method to prevent transmission of

the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Public awareness campaigns that disseminate information about

the risks and routes of transmission, although important, have an insufficient influence on the behavioral

changes essential to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Because of the complex interplay of cultural and

psychosocial influences that guides human behavior, specific programs to decrease high-risk behavior have

been developed for target populations. In this report, tested initiatives for preventing HIV infection are

summarized and their success evaluated for men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and women

of minority racial groups. Objective evidence of reductions in high-risk behavior in these 3 groups, which

account for the majority of HIV transmissions in the United States, has critical implications for reducing the

overall rate of new HIV infections.