Chapter 15 - Interventions with youth in high-prevalence areas

Abstract

Adolescent development and behaviors vary within the time period that defines this stage of development, and differ by sex and setting. Diversity in programs and interventions is thus critical, as is targeting and designing interventions for specific time periods in adolescent transition to adulthood and autonomy. Interventions that are based on good epidemiological data for prioritizing the target population, utilize behavioral and social theory appropriate for the target population and desired outcomes, consider contextual and structural realities of the target group, and capacity and infrastructure for sustainable delivery are more likely to be effective. Adolescent development and behaviors vary within the time period that defines this stage of development, and differ by sex and setting. These behaviors are influenced by a range of factors, including individual self-esteem, skills, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, relationships with parents, caregivers, peers and teachers, schools, economic status, faith beliefs, perceptions of rights, sense of future, and the media. Short-, medium- and long-term goals are critical for individuals being targeted, as well as for intervention design. The predictive roles of increasing knowledge, self-efficacy skills, building self-esteem, creating hope in the future, and access to services in reducing HIV incidence rates needed to be understood. HIV/AIDS prevention efforts need to be part of broader interventions directed at improving young people's overall health and well-being, and initiatives to address socio-economic and structural roots of risk. Partnerships that enable the sharing of ideas and responsibilities are central to success. The importance of forming networks within a country and beyond its borders, linking governments with civil society, as well as forging networks between young people and the broader community, lay foundations for sustainability, as human and financial resource allocations are dependent on these linkages.