title: Randomized trial of group interventions to reduce HIV/STD risk and change theoretical mediators among detained adolescents.
abstract: Criminally involved adolescents engage in high levels of risky sexual behavior and alcohol use, and alcohol use may contribute to lack of condom use. Detained adolescents (n = 484) were randomized to (1) a theory-based sexual risk reduction intervention (GPI), (2) the GPI condition with a group-based alcohol risk reduction motivational enhancement therapy component (GPI + GMET), or (3) an information-only control (INFO). All interventions were presented in same-sex groups in single sessions lasting from 2 to 4 hr. Changes to putative theoretical mediators (attitudes, perceived norms, self-efficacy, and intentions) were measured immediately following intervention administration. The primary outcomes were risky sexual behavior and sexual behavior while drinking measured 3 months later (65.1% retention). The GPI + GMET intervention demonstrated superiority over both other conditions in influencing theoretical mediators and over the INFO control in reducing risky sexual behavior. Self-efficacy and intentions were significant mediators between condition and later risky sexual behavior. This study contributes to an understanding of harm reduction among high-risk adolescents and has implications for understanding circumstances in which the inclusion of GMET components may be effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder, UCB 345, Boulder, CO 80309-0345, USA. Sarah.Schmiege@colorado.edu
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Schmiege
authors.forename: Michelle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Broaddus
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: Angela D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Bryan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires