What is evidence-based prevention?

This chapter is intended to provide a thorough, accessible and practical introduction to the evidence regarding the effectiveness of HIV prevention methods.

After two decades of AIDS and HIV prevention activities, there are increasing demands amongst funders and practitioners for evidence that HIV prevention methods work. The phrase `evidence–based prevention' has been coined to describe the need for HIV prevention activities to be developed in line with evidence regarding risk factors and outcomes. The notion of an `evidence–based' approach follows calls in NHS clinical practice for greater standardisation of patient care through the adoption of `best practice' which is backed up by evidence from sound clinical trials.

This chapter reviews:

• The underlying philosophies of HIV prevention.
• How and why do people change their behaviour?
• How and why do we know that HIV prevention efforts have worked?
• Issues in measuring effectiveness.
• A summary of research evidence regarding effective interventions.