Comparison of education versus behavioral skills training interventions in lowering sexual HIV-risk behavior of substance-dependent adolescents.
Substance-dependent adolescents (N = 34) in a residential drug treatment facility received either a 6-session behavior skills training HIV-risk reduction intervention or standard HIV education. After the intervention, adolescents who received behavior skills training exhibited increased knowledge about HIV-AIDS, more favorable attitudes toward prevention and condom use, more internal locus of control, increased self-efficacy, increased recognition of HIV risk and decreases in high-risk sexual activity. Self-report data were corroborated by records for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The results from this pilot demonstration effort suggest that skills training based on cognitive-behavioral principles may be effective in lowering high-risk adolescents' vulnerability to HIV infection and warrant evaluation in a controlled comparison with a larger sample.
St Lawrence
J S
JS
Department of Psychology, Jackson State University, Mississippi 39217-0105.
Jefferson
K W
KW
Alleyne
E
E
Brasfield
T L
TL
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders