Outcomes of intensive AIDS education for male adolescent drug users in jail

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to conduct and evaluate an intensive AIDS education program for incarcerated male adolescent drug users. Methods: The study was conducted in New York City's main jail facility for detained and sentenced male youths aged 16–19 years. A four-session, group-oriented AIDS education program based on Problem-Solving Therapy was conducted. The program was voluntary and all youths on designated dormitories were invited to participate. The evaluation compared youths participating in the AIDS education with waiting list controls who were discharged or transferred before they could be offered the education. Behavioral outcomes for AIDS education participants and controls were determined at a five month follow-up after release from jail. Behaviors were measured through personal interviews at baseline and follow-up. Results: High rates of HIV risk behaviors were documented, including alcohol, marijuana and cocaine/crack use that may predispose youths to sexual risk-taking: practice of heterosexual anal sex; multiple and high-risk sexual partnerships; and no, or inconsistent, use of condoms. Education participants as compared with controls were significantly more likely to increase their condom use, to increase positive attitudes towards condoms, and possibly to decrease high-risk sexual partnerships. However, other sexual risk variables and substance use were unchanged. Conclusion: Intensive AIDS education provided in jail can be useful in reducing certain HIV risk behaviors of criminally-involved male adolescents.