title: Interventions to reduce sexual risk for human immunodeficiency virus in adolescents: a meta-analysis of trials, 1985-2008.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an updated review of the efficacy of behavioral interventions to reduce sexual risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched electronic databases, leading public health journals, and the document depository held by the Synthesis of HIV/AIDS Risk Reduction Project. Studies that fulfilled the selection criteria and were available as of December 31, 2008, were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies that investigated any behavioral intervention advocating sexual risk reduction for HIV prevention, sampled adolescents (age range, 11-19 years), measured a behavioral outcome relevant to sexual risk, and provided sufficient information to calculate effect sizes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from 98 interventions (51,240 participants) were derived from 67 studies, dividing for qualitatively different interventions and gender when reports permitted it.
  
  
  METHODS
  Condom use, sexual frequency, condom use skills, interpersonal communication skills, condom acquisition, and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relative to controls, interventions succeeded at reducing incident STIs, increasing condom use, reducing or delaying penetrative sex, and increasing skills to negotiate safer sex and to acquire prophylactic protection. Initial risk reduction varied depending on sample and intervention characteristics but did not decay over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comprehensive behavioral interventions reduce risky sexual behavior and prevent transmission of STIs. Interventions are most successful to the extent that they deliver intensive content.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-1248, USA. blair.t.johnson@uconn.edu
authors.forename: Blair T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Lori A J
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Scott-Sheldon
authors.forename: Tania B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Huedo-Medina
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Carey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult