Untitled group psychosocial intervention to prevent risky sexual behavior

OVERVIEW

The group psychosocial intervention is a theory-based sexual risk reduction intervention that aims to increase safe sex practices through impacting condom use attitudes, perceived norms of condom use, and self-efficacy. An evaluation among criminally-involved adolescents found that it was no more effective than an information-only intervention.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

Target population: Criminally involved adolescents

 

This program involves one three-hour session conducted in same-sex groups of one to ten adolescents. Intervention leaders are the same gender as the participants and follow a scripted intervention manual. Sessions consist of group activities, videos, condom use demonstrations, group discussion, and goal setting. Information is given on HIV and health services, and there is a focus on developing normative perceptions and positive attitudes toward condoms and self-efficacy.

 

EVALUATION OF PROGRAM

Evaluated population: 484 adolescents residing in three detention facilities in Denver, Colorado. The age range was 14 to 17 years, and the average age of participants was 16 years. The sample was 83 percent male, 37 percent white, 29 percent Hispanic, 13 percent African American, 5 percent Native American, 4 percent Asian, 2 percent other, and 13 percent biracial. 

 

Approach: Following adolescent assent and parent/guardian consent, adolescents were scheduled for the next available intervention session. Each session was randomly assigned to GPI, to GPI + GMET, or to a control information-only condition. The control condition involved providing participants with basic information on STDs and a question and answer session that lasted approximately two hours. For more information on GPI + GMET, click here. Participants were assessed on attitudes toward condom use, perceived condom use norms, intention to practice safer sex, and self-efficacy at baseline and immediately following the intervention and were assessed on risky sexual behavior and sexual behavior while under the influence of alcohol at baseline and three month follow-up.

 

Results: No differences were found for attitudes toward condom use, perceived condom use norms, intentions to practice safe sex, self-efficacy, risky sexual behavior, and sexual behavior while under the influence of alcohol between adolescents who received GPI and those who received the information-only intervention.

 

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

References

Schmiege, S.J., Broaddus, M.R., Levin, M., & Bryan, A.D. (2009). Randomized trial of group interventions to reduce HIV/STD risk and change theoretical mediators among detailed adolescents. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 77, 38-50.

 

KEYWORDS: Adolescents (12-17), Juvenile Offenders, High-Risk, Alcohol Use, Sexual Activity, Condom Use and Contraception

 

 

Program information last updated on 12/27/10.

 

 

 

 

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