A review of HIV prevention interventions for juvenile offenders.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a critical review of all HIV prevention intervention studies conducted with adolescents in juvenile justice settings to inform future intervention development.


METHODS
PubMed and PsycInfo database searches were conducted for peer-reviewed, published HIV prevention intervention studies with juvenile offenders.


RESULTS
Sixteen studies were identified (N = 3,700 adolescents). Half of the projects utilized rigorous methodologies to determine intervention effect on behavior change, such as conducting a randomized controlled trial (n = 8). Nine studies reported behaviors at least 3 months post-intervention and five out of nine showed decreases in sexual risk behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Several HIV prevention programs with juvenile offenders have led to sexual risk reduction, although effect sizes are modest. Most existing programs have neglected to address the impact of family, mental health, and substance use on HIV risk. More work is needed to develop evidence-based interventions that include HIV prevention strategies relevant and appropriate for the juvenile justice setting.
Tolou-Shams
Marina
M
Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903, USA. mtoloushams@lifespan.org
Stewart
Angela
A
Fasciano
John
J
Brown
Larry K
LK
D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents