A controlled study of services to enhance productive participation among people with HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effectiveness of a model program designed to increase productive participation among people living with HIV/AIDS within supportive-living facilities. METHODS Using a nonrandomized, two-group design, 65 study participants were assigned to either the model program or standard care. Data on productive participation were collected at 3, 6, and 9 months after completion of the model or standard program. Outcomes were compared at each time point. RESULTS Forty-six participants completed the study. Participants in the two programs did not differ significantly on baseline demographic variables. Model program participants showed significantly higher levels of productive participation at all three time points (p < .05). Odds ratios were all > 3, reflecting that participants attending the model program were at least twice as likely to be productively engaged at all three time points. CONCLUSION Results support the effectiveness of the model program in achieving sustained productive participation in persons living with HIV/AIDS.