title: Use of digital media technology for primary prevention of STIs/HIV in youth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The relevant literature was reviewed to identify issues in research evaluating digital media technology (DMT) interventions for the primary prevention of STIs/HIV in adolescents and young adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search with relevant key terms was conducted in PubMed, for articles with studies that included: (a) participants between 11-29 years; (b) use of one or more of the following forms of DMT: interactive digital video or CD-ROM, computer, text messaging, or Internet; (c) evaluation of an STI/HIV primary prevention intervention; and (d) use of a cognitive, psychosocial, behavioral, or biological outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine studies were identified and included in the review. Based on the review of these studies, 7 main issues were discussed and recommendations for improving future research were offered. The 7 main issues were: (a) need for a balance between universal application and specific sub-group focus, (b) lack of a developmental framework, (c) challenge of applying DMT in resource limited contexts, (d) rapidly changing nature of DMT, (e) lack of biological outcomes, (f) lack of comparison/control groups to assess the impact of DMT, and (g) limited temporal follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is increasing literature evaluating the effectiveness of DMT for preventing STIs/HIV among adolescents and young adults. A careful consideration of 7 main issues identified in the literature can improve the design and evaluation of these interventions and enhance our understanding of their effectiveness.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center-College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY. Electronic address: nc2519@columbia.edu.
authors: Noé Rubén
authors: NR
authors: Chávez
authors: Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell, New York, NY.
authors: Lee S
authors: LS
authors: Shearer
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center-College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY.
authors: Susan L
authors: SL
authors: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016251:CD-ROM; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D060145:Text Messaging; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescents; Digital media technology; HIV prevention; STI prevention; Sexual health