Description of Intervention: Intensive AIDS Education in Jail

The intervention was based on a problem-solving therapy model. It consisted of four 60-minute sessions focusing on health education issues relevant to male adolescent drug users, with emphasis on HIV/AIDS. The intervention was delivered at the New York City Department of Corrections Adolescent Reception and Detention Center on Rikers Island. Sessions used interactive methods and a small group format with 8 adolescents and one male counselor. Counselors were guided by a written curriculum.

Topics included general health knowledge, HIV and AIDS knowledge, factors associated with initiation and continuance of drug abuse, types of sexual behavior and HIV risk, the relationship of drug use and sexual behavior, and strategies to access services and drug abuse treatment in the community. Counselors adapted topics to the needs of the participants.

Counselors used techniques based on the problem-solving therapy model:

• Problem orientation - group members share and discuss facts and beliefs about HIV/AIDS
• Problem definition and formulation - members define specific high-risk attitudes and behaviors that must be modified to protect themselves and others against HIV/AIDS
• Generation of alternative solutions - members suggested and compiled possible courses of action for risky behaviors
• Decision-making - members critiqued and evaluated the alternative solutions
• Solution implementation - participants used role play and rehearsal techniques to practice alternative solutions.

The young men received $5 for each group session they attended.