NCJ Number
219983
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 46 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 1179-1186
Date Published
September 2007
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined any change in risk for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among teens after participating in 16 weeks of outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs), which included a one-session HIV intervention.
Abstract
The study found that participants' scores on the Teen Health Survey (THS) improved significantly after the treatment for two subscales: Measures of HIV Information and Beliefs about Condom Use. Analyses of specific items showed trends for improvement in intentions to carry condoms and in the number of teens who obtained condoms. The findings of this preliminary study are consistent with the need for specific assessment and targeted intervention in order to reduce behaviors that place adolescent substance users at risk for HIV. The one-session intervention for HIV prevention focused on three key areas assessed by the THS: knowledge and information about HIV, including how HIV is transmitted, prevented, and treated; the potential dangers of having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and information, attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and behavior regarding condom use. All 50 participants were part of a subsample consecutively randomized to a larger parent study of fluoxetine or placebo for depression and received systematic HIV risk assessment before and after the one-session HIV Intervention. In addition to being administered the THS before and after the one-session intervention, participants also completed the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised and the DSM-IV Conduct Disorder Symptom Count. 3 tables and 60 references