This study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate a six-session peer group intervention for HIV prevention among rural
adults in Malawi. Two rural districts were randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. Independent random samples
of community adults compared the districts at baseline and at 6 and 18 months postintervention. Using multiple regressions
controlling for six demographic factors, intervention district adults had significantly more favorable outcomes at 6- and 18-month
evaluations for condom attitudes, self-efficacy for community prevention, self-efficacy for practicing safer sex, partner communication,
using condoms ever in the past 2 months, and community prevention activities. Knowledge and hope for controlling
the epidemic were significantly higher in the intervention district only at the 6-month evaluation; having a recent HIV test was
significantly higher only at 18 months. Levels of stigma and the number of risky sex practices did not decrease when demographic
factors were controlled. Expanding peer group intervention for HIV prevention would benefit rural adults.