Intravenous (IV) drug users are currently the second largest group to have contracted AIDS in the United States and Europe. To reach these individuals, health communication specialists have relied on brochures and leaflets, but little is known about the content or effectiveness of such brochures. The present study, guided by theory and research on persuasive communications,was designed to provide a systematic appraisal of these materials. A content analysis of 25 representative brochures directed at IV drug users and their sex partners revealed that the brochures contained many facts about the risk and preventive strategies associated with the spread of AIDS among IV drug users; however, they failed to provide self-efficacy information that could convince recipients that they are personally capable of undertaking the recommended actions. Other findings and implications are discussed.