Apache and PAM modules

Hi all! I need to set up an authentication page on Apache. This is the first time I attempt this. I have found a PAM module that accomplish this, but it requires apache to run as root. I would like to avoid this. I think .htfiles permissions and database are not what I am looking for, as the passwords need to be the same as the ssh and scp, but I am still looking for alternatives and advices. Comments are also welcome! Praise