This handbook, produced by our AIDSCAP project, provides guidance on behavior change communication (BCC) interventions that address sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and are designed to promote behaviors that prevent STD transmission. Behavior change messages are similar to those for HIV but emphasize information about the complications and treatment of STDs.

BCC involves STD education for the individual client and the entire community. Upgrading health workers knowledge and communication skills is usually a prerequisite to successful BCC interventions.

Among the overall goals of most BCC programs for STD prevention this handbook discusses is the need to promote beahviors that prevent the spread of STDs in the community, including:

• prompt care-seeking for symptoms at appropriate medical sites
• following treatment recommendations
• communicating with partners about the need to be treated
• practicing safer sex, including the use of male and female condoms
• delaying sexual activity among youth
• decreasing the number of sexual partners