Effects of a skill-based intervention to encourage condom use among high risk heterosexually active adolescents
Gillmore, M.R.; Morrison, D.M.; Richey, C.A.; Balassone, M.L.; Gutierrez, L.; Farris, M.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 9(1 Suppl): 22-43
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 9083597 Document Number: 476448
In this article the development and testing of 3 behavioural interventions to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs among heterosexually active adolescents is described. Interventions include a comic book, a videotape, and a group skill training curriculum that emphasize skill development-for communicating and negotiating condom use with partners, in addition to providing basic information. Participants included 228 youths sampled in juvenile detention and 168 youths sampled from public health STD and other similar clinics. The samples included both young men and women, and comprised African American and European American adolescents, aged 14-19. Examination of the relative efficacy of the interventions at 3 and 6 months following intervention show very few differences among conditions, despite the fact that the intervention contained most of the elements that previously have been defined as essential for effective interventions. Possible reasons for the outcome are considered and recommendations for future research are given.