Magura, S., Kang, S., & Shapiro, J.L. (1994). Journal of Adolescent Health, 15 (6), 457 - 463
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. |
Intervention Goal(s): To determine the effects of a small group intervention to reduce HIV drug- and sex-related risk behaviors.
Intervention Setting: A detention center.
Population: Of the 157 incarcerated, young, male drug users who participated in the study, 65% were African American, 33% were Hispanic, and 2% were white. The age of the participants ranged from 16 to 19 years.
Comparison Condition: The intervention was given to comparison participants at a later time.
Behavioral Findings: After release from jail, youth who participated in the intervention were significantly more likely to use condoms during vaginal, oral, and anal sex and had fewer high-risk sex partners than youth in the comparison condition.
Contact:
Stephen Magura
National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.
2 World Trade Center, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10048
Phone: 212 845 4521
Fax: 212 845 4698
E-mail: steve.magura@ndri.org
Go to Informational and Enhanced AIDS Education
This study meets CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Synthesis project criteria for relevance and methodological rigor and also has the positive and significant behavioral/health findings required for the Compendium. Date added 1/99
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