Health Education Control Group Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of oral health education program among mothers with 6-18 months children in prevention of early childhood caries.

Background:Mothers play a key role as transmitters of oral health behavior for their children. Hence increasing their knowledge about positive attitude toward desirable oral health behaviors regarding their children will lead to the better oral health of the children.Aim:The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education program among mothers with 6-18 months old children in the prevention of early childhood caries.Materials and Methods:A total of 480 mothers with 6-18 months old children were selected using cluster randomization of the primary health center. The allocated mothers were assigned into three groups: Motivation group (group A), traditional health education group (group B) and control group (group C). Clinical examination was carried out to record the dental decay of the child.Statistical Analysis:The data was analyzed using SPSS 13. Evaluation of statistical significance between groups was made using the Chi-square test, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis.Results:Mean number of decayed teeth was 0.23 + 0.58 in group A that was significantly less as compared to 0.39 + 0.79 and 1.17 + 1.32 in group B and C, respectively.Conclusion:Motivational intervention was more effective in reducing dental decay in the children as compared to the other two groups.

Home-Based Walking Exercise Intervention in Peripheral Artery Disease

Clinical practice guidelines state there is insufficient evidence to support advising patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to participate in a home-based walking exercise program. To determine whether a home-based walking exercise program that uses a group-mediated cognitive behavioral intervention, incorporating both group support and self-regulatory skills, can improve functional performance compared with a health education control group in patients with PAD with and without intermittent claudication. Randomized controlled clinical trial of 194 patients with PAD, including 72.2% without classic symptoms of intermittent claudication, performed in Chicago, Illinois between July 22, 2008, and December 14, 2012. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 parallel groups: a home-based group-mediated cognitive behavioral walking intervention or an attention control condition. The primary outcome was 6-month change in 6-minute walk performance. Secondary outcomes included 6-month change in treadmill walking, physical activity, the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), and Physical and Mental Health Composite Scores from the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Participants randomized to the intervention group significantly increased their 6-minute walk distance ([reported in meters] 357.4 to 399.8 vs 353.3 to 342.2 for those in the control group; mean difference, 53.5 [95% CI, 33.2 to 73.8]; P < .001), maximal treadmill walking time (intervention, 7.91 to 9.44 minutes vs control, 7.56 to 8.09; mean difference, 1.01 minutes [95% CI, 0.07 to 1.95]; P = .04), accelerometer-measured physical activity over 7 days (intervention, 778.0 to 866.1 vs control, 671.6 to 645.0; mean difference, 114.7 activity units [95% CI, 12.82 to 216.5]; P = .03), WIQ distance score (intervention, 35.3 to 47.4 vs control, 33.3 to 34.4; mean difference, 11.1 [95% CI, 3.9 to 18.1]; P = .003), and WIQ speed score (intervention, 36.1 to 47.7 vs control, 35.3-36.6; mean difference, 10.4 [95% CI, 3.4 to 17.4]; P = .004). A home-based walking exercise program significantly improved walking endurance, physical activity, and patient-perceived walking endurance and speed in PAD participants with and without classic claudication symptoms. These findings have implications for the large number of patients with PAD who are unable or unwilling to participate in supervised exercise programs. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00693940.

Effect of managed health education on psychological and nutritional status of patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and ascites

Objective To evaluate the effect of managed health education on psychological and nutritional status of patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and ascites. Methods One hundred and twenty one patents with decompensated HBV-related cirrhosis were enrolled for health education and randomly divided into two groups: 61 patients received managed health education (trial group) and 60 received conventional health education (control group). In control group patients were informed with their condition and diet note by medical orders. In control group the hepatologists evaluated the baseline condition, nutritional status and quality of life, set up personal files of patients and followed up with communication and counselling periodically from June 2010 to August 2012. The psychological conditions were assessed with self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS); nutritional status was assessed with triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and the quality of life was assessed with MOS 36-item shoort from healthy survey (SF-36). Results Before health education, there was no statistical difference in the scores of SAS, SDS, TSF, SF-36 and blood Hb, albumin (Alb) levels between two groups. After health education, scores of SAS and SDS were decreased in both groups (P<0.01), however, which in trial group were lower than those in control group (39.9±8.8 vs. 49.0±9.4 and 40.6±8.8 vs. 51.9±10.1 respectively, both P<0.01). The TSF scores and blood Hb and Alb levels in trial group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The accumulated scores of 8 dimensions in SF-36 forms in trial group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion The managed health education model can better release psychological pressures, decrease mental disorders, elevate nutrition status, promote health and improve quality of life than conventional health education for patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and ascites. Key words: Liver cirrhosis; Patient care management; Psychotherapy, multiple; Quality of life

Effect of Dietary Restriction and Exercise on Lower Extremity Tissue Compartments in Obese, Older Women: A Pilot Study

Accumulating evidence suggests that both dietary restriction and exercise (DR + E) should be incorporated in weight loss interventions to treat obese, older adults. However, more information is needed on the effects to lower extremity tissue composition-an important consideration for preserving mobility in older adults. Twenty-seven sedentary women (body mass index: 36.3±5.4kg/m(2); age: 63.6±5.6 yrs) were randomly assigned to 6 months of DR + E or a health education control group. Thigh and calf muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) size were determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Physical function was measured using a long-distance corridor walk and knee extension strength. Compared with control, DR + E significantly reduced body mass (-6.6±3.7kg vs control: -0.05±3.5kg; p < .01). Thigh and calf muscle volumes responded similarly between groups. Within the DR + E group, adipose tissue was reduced more in the thigh than in the calf (p < .04). Knee extension strength was unaltered by DR + E, but a trend toward increased walking speed was observed in the DR + E group (p = .09). Post hoc analyses showed that reductions in SAT and IMAT within the calf, but not the thigh, were associated with faster walking speed achieved with DR + E (SAT: r = -0.62; p = .01; IMAT: r = -0.62; p = .01). DR + E preserved lower extremity muscle size and function and reduced regional lower extremity adipose tissue. Although the magnitude of reduction in adipose tissue was greater in the thigh than the calf region, post hoc analyses demonstrated that reductions in calf SAT and IMAT were associated with positive adaptations in physical function.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Tai Chi Chih Randomized Controlled Trial in Senior Female Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a Tai Chi Chih (TCC) intervention in senior female cancer survivors with physical functioning limitations, and its effects on health-related quality of life (QOL). This was a two-armed, parallel group, RCT with 12-weeks of Tai Chi Chih or Health Education Control. Sixty-three senior (M age = 67 years, SD = 7.15) female cancer survivors (83% breast cancer, stages I-III) with physical functioning limitations (SF-12 Health Survey role-physical & physical functioning subscales) were randomized to 12-weeks of TCC or Health Education control (HEC). Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included health-related QOL (SF-36 Health Survey), and participants' qualitative feedback on the intervention. Retention (TCC = 91%; HEC = 81%) and class attendance (TCC = 79%; HEC = 83%) rates, and satisfaction levels for both study arms were high, but did not significantly differ from one another. At one-week post-intervention, none of the SF-36 scores differed between the TCC and HEC groups. Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in the mental component summary score in TCC (p = 0.01), but not in HEC. Qualitative analyses indicated that the TCC group felt they received mental and physical benefits, whereas HEC group reported on social support benefits and information received. The TCC intervention was found to be a feasible and acceptable modality for senior female cancer survivors. Future, larger definitive trials are needed to clarify TCC dosage effects on QOL in this vulnerable population.

Pre-existing brain function predicts subsequent practice of mindfulness and compassion meditation

While a variety of meditation techniques are increasingly employed as health interventions, the fact that meditation requires a significant commitment of time and effort may limit its potential widespread utility. In the current study, we ask whether baseline subjective reports or brain activity in response to a "Pain for Self and Others" paradigm predicts subsequent engagement in mindfulness and compassion meditation. The study also investigated whether compassion training would impact neural responses when compared to an active health education control group. Prior to training, activation of the left and right anterior insula, an area thought to be important for empathy, in response to the Other pain task was positively related to engagement with compassion meditation as measured by practice time (n=13). On the other hand, activity in the left amygdala during the Self pain task was negatively correlated with mindfulness practice time. Following the study intervention, there was no difference between the compassion group (n=13), and the control group (n=8), in brain responses to either the Self or Other task. These results are the first to indicate that baseline neural responses may predict engagement with meditation training and suggest that pre-existing neurobiological profiles differentially predispose individuals to engage with disparate meditation techniques.

A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effectiveness of Computer-Tailored Physical Activity and Dietary Behavior Promotion Programs: an Update

BackgroundA review update is necessary to document evidence regarding the effectiveness of computer-tailored physical activity and nutrition education.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to summarize the latest evidence on the effectiveness of computer-tailored physical activity and nutrition education, and to compare the results to the 2006 review.MethodsDatabases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating computer-tailored physical activity and nutrition education aimed at primary prevention in adults, published from September 2004 through June 2011.ResultsCompared to the findings in 2006, a larger proportion of studies found positive effects for computer-tailored programs compared to generic or no information, including those for physical activity promotion. Effect sizes were small and generally at short- or medium-term follow-up.ConclusionsThe results of the 2006 review were confirmed and reinforced. Future interventions should focus on establishing larger effect sizes and sustained effects and include more generic health education control groups and objective measurements of dietary behavior.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12160-012-9384-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The application of programmed health education in treating the patients with rheumatoid arthritis by herbal fomentation

Objective To study the application effects of programmed health education in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis by herbal fomentation.Methods A total of 100 patients were randomly divided into the programmed health education group (experimental group) and general health education ( control group),50 patients were in each group.Results The level of RA - related knowledge,self - management behavior,efficacy of experimental group were all better than those of control group (P ＜0.01 ).Conclusions The application of programmed health education can improve patients disease - related knowledge cognition,enhance their self - management behavior and promote the rehabilitation of the disease. Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis; Herbal fomentation; Programmed health education; Self- management behavior

Impact of transcendental meditation on left ventricular mass in african american adolescents.

Background. An early sign of ventricular remodeling is increased left ventricular mass (LVM) which over time may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, the strongest predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, other than advancing age. Methods. 62 (30 TM; 32 CTL) African American adolescents (age 16.2 ± 1.3 years) with high normal systolic BP were randomly assigned to either 4-month Transcendental Meditation (TM) or health education control groups. The echocardiographic-derived measure of LVM index (LVMI = LVM/ht2.7) was measured before and after the 4-month TM study and at 4-month followup. 2D-guided M-mode echocardiography using a Hewlett Packard 5500 echosonograph was used to determine LVMI. Results. The TM group exhibited a greater decrease in LVMI at 4-month followup compared to the CTL group (−2.6 versus +0.3 gm/ht2.7, P < 0.04). The TM group exhibited a lesser increase in BMI at 4-month follow-up compared to the CTL group (0.2 ± 1.6 versus 1.1 ± 1.4, P < 0.03). Conclusion. These findings indicate that among a group of prehypertensive African American adolescents, 4 months of TM compared to heath education resulted in a significant decrease in LVMI, and these changes were maintained at 4-month follow-up.

Web-based intervention for adolescent nonsmokers to help parents stop smoking: A pilot feasibility study

A novel approach to tobacco control is to engage adolescent nonsmokers in support roles to encourage and help their parents stop smoking. This pilot study examined the feasibility and potential efficacy of a web-based support skills training (SST) intervention for adolescents to help a parent stop smoking. Forty nonsmoking adolescents 13–19 years of age (70% female, 93% White) were enrolled and randomly assigned to a health education (HE) control group (n = 20) or SST (n = 20). Both consisted of written materials and five weekly, 30 min, web-based, counselor-facilitated group sessions. Parents were enrolled for assessments only. Adolescents and parents completed assessments at baseline, week 6 (post-treatment), week 12 and 6-months follow-up. Both interventions were feasible based on treatment acceptability ratings, study retention and treatment compliance. The biochemically confirmed 6-month smoking abstinence rate was higher for parents linked to teens in HE (35%, 7/20) than in SST (10%, 2/20), p = 0.13. About half of parents in each group reported a quit attempt since study enrollment. Teens can be engaged to help parents stop smoking. Future research is warranted on determining effective intervention approaches.

The effect of whole course integrated health education on improvement of depressive emotion and psychological disorders in depressive patients

Objective To explore the effect of whole course integrated health education on depressive emotion and self-concept modification in depressive patients and to improve their psychological rehabilitation. Methods Sixties depressive inpatients treated with antidepressive drugs were randomly assigned to receive supportive psychological nursing and general health education (control group 28) or whole course integrated health education (experimental group 32). Hamilton Depression Scale ( HAMD), Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) and Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90) were used before and after intervention to evaluate the clinical effects of two groups. Results Before interventions,the total scores of HAMD,TSCS and SCL-90 were (24.8 ±4. 3) ,(249.68 ±16.23) and(136.39±34.26)in experimental group and (24. 9 ±4. 2) , (248. 74 ± 17. 32) and( 136. 52 ± 35.04) in control group, with no significant difference between two groups (all P ＜ 0.01). After intervention, the total scores of HAMD, TSCS and SCL-90 were (19.7±2.8),(263.55±19.53) and (114.22 ± 18. 75) in experimental group and (22.4 ± 3. 3), (253. 66 ± 18. 37) and (134. 56 ± 32. 64) in control group, with significant difference between two groups (all P＜0.01). Conclusions Whole course integrated health education can improve depressive emotion of patients with depression, develop their positive self-concept and boost their mental health level. Key words: Depressive; Whole course integration; Health education

Exercise effects on night-to-night fluctuations in self-rated sleep among older adults with sleep complaints.

Sleep interventions have rarely explored reductions in night-to-night fluctuations [i.e. intra-individual variability (IIV)] in sleep, despite the negative impacts of such fluctuations on affective states and cognitive and physical symptoms. In a community-based randomized controlled trial we evaluated whether physical exercise reduced IIV in self-rated sleep outcomes among middle-aged and older adults with sleep complaints. Under-active adults 55 years and older (n = 66, 67% women) with mild to moderate sleep complaints were randomized to 12 months of a moderate-intensity endurance exercise (n = 36) or a health education control group (n = 30). Daily sleep logs, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and in-home polysomnographic sleep recordings (PSG) were collected at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Sleep log-derived means and IIV were computed for sleep-onset latency (SOL), time in bed, feeling rested in the morning, number of nighttime awakenings, and wake after final awakening (WAFA). Using intent-to-treat methods, at 6 months no differences in IIV were observed by group. At 12 months, SOL-based IIV was reduced in the exercise group compared with the control (difference = 23.11, 95% CI: 3.04-47.18, P = 0.025, Cohen's d = 0.57). This change occurred without mean-level or IIV changes in sleep-wake schedules. For all sleep variables, except SOL and WAFA, IIV changes and mean-level changes in each variable were negatively correlated (r = -0.312 to -0.691, P < 0.05). Sleep log-derived IIV changes were modestly correlated with mean-level PSQI and PSG-based changes at 12 months. Twelve months of moderate-intensity exercise reduced night-to-night fluctuations in self-rated time to fall asleep, and this relationship was independent of mean-level time to fall asleep.

Telephone-Based Self-management of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability, and self-management behaviors for osteoarthritis are underutilized. To examine the effectiveness of a telephone-based self-management intervention for hip or knee osteoarthritis in a primary care setting. Randomized clinical trial with equal assignment to osteoarthritis self-management, health education (attention control), and usual care control groups. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00288912) Primary care clinics in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 515 patients with symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis. The osteoarthritis self-management intervention involved educational materials and 12 monthly telephone calls to support individualized goals and action plans. The health education intervention involved nonosteoarthritis educational materials and 12 monthly telephone calls related to general health screening topics. The primary outcome was score on the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 pain subscale (range, 0 to 10). Pain was also assessed with a 10-cm visual analog scale. Measurements were collected at baseline and 12 months. 461 participants (90%) completed the 12-month assessment. The mean Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 pain score in the osteoarthritis self-management group was 0.4 point lower (95% CI, -0.8 to 0.1 point; P = 0.105) than in the usual care group and 0.6 point lower (CI, -1.0 to -0.2 point; P = 0.007) than in the health education group at 12 months. The mean visual analog scale pain score in the osteoarthritis self-management group was 1.1 points lower (CI, -1.6 to -0.6 point; P < 0.001) than in the usual care group and 1.0 point lower (CI, -1.5 to -0.5 point; P < 0.001) than in the health education group. Health care use did not differ across the groups. The study was conducted at 1 Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the sample consisted primarily of men. A telephone-based osteoarthritis self-management program produced moderate improvements in pain, particularly compared with a health education control group. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Service.

Breathing Awareness Meditation and LifeSkills Training Programs Influence Upon Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Sodium Excretion Among African American Adolescents

To evaluate the effect of breathing awareness meditation (BAM), Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST), and health education control (HEC) on ambulatory blood pressure and sodium excretion in African American adolescents. Following 3 consecutive days of systolic blood pressure (SBP) screenings, 166 eligible participants (i.e., SBP >50th-95th percentile) were randomized by school to either BAM (n = 53), LST (n = 69), or HEC (n = 44). In-school intervention sessions were administered for 3 months by health education teachers. Before and after the intervention, overnight urine samples and 24-hour ambulatory SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were obtained. Significant group differences were found for changes in overnight SBP and SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate over the 24-hour period and during school hours. The BAM treatment exhibited the greatest overall decreases on these measures (Bonferroni adjusted, ps < .05). For example, for school-time SBP, BAM showed a change of -3.7 mmHg compared with no change for LST and a change of -.1 mmHg for HEC. There was a nonsignificant trend for overnight urinary sodium excretion (p = .07), with the BAM group displaying a reduction of -.92 ± 1.1 mEq/hr compared with increases of .89 ± 1.2 mEq/hr for LST and .58 ± .9 mEq/hr for HEC group. BAM appears to improve hemodynamic function and may affect sodium handling among African American adolescents who are at increased risk for development of cardiovascular disease.

The significance of psychological education in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective To explore the significance of psychological educatin in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods 52 patients with acute myocardial infarction were randomly assigned to receive systemic psychological education (study group) or general health education (control group). The effects were then evaluated. Results The incidences of difficult defecation,anxiety,and discomfort of the waist and the back were lower in the study group than in the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusions Psychological education is a effective,feasible in patient care. Key words: Acute myocardial infarction; Psychological education; Significance

The impact of Community health education to impaired glucose tolerance with hyperlipidemia

Objective To investigate the community health education on glucose metabolism in patients with impaired glucose tolerance associated with hyperlipidemia. Methods 90 cases of diagnosed patients with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly divided into health education intervention group and control group. Patients in health education groups were carry out health behavior guidance, provided with an appropriate diet and exercise prescription. The control group did not carry out health education. Blood glucose and lipid were detected 3 months later with or without continuous intervention. Results Blood glucose and changes in adverse lifestyle of patients in health Education group were significantly better than the control group. Conclusion Health education can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance associated with hyperlipidemia. Key words: Health education; Impaired glucose tolerance; Hyperlipidemia; Glucose metabolism; Impact

Effects of a Culturally Adapted HIV Prevention Intervention in Haitian Youth

This study assessed the impact of an 8-week community-based translation of Becoming a Responsible Teen (BART), an HIV intervention that has been shown to be effective in other at-risk adolescent populations. A sample of Haitian adolescents living in the Miami area was randomized to a general health education control group (n = 101) or the BART intervention (n = 145), which was based on the information-motivation-behavior (IMB) model. Improvement in various IMB components (i.e., attitudinal, knowledge, and behavioral skills variables) related to condom use was assessed 1 month after the intervention. Longitudinal structural equation models using a mixture of latent and measured multi-item variables indicated that the intervention significantly and positively impacted all IMB variables tested in the model. These BART intervention-linked changes reflected greater knowledge, greater intentions to use condoms in the future, higher safer sex self-efficacy, an improved attitude about condom use, and an enhanced ability to use condoms after the 8-week intervention.

Impact of breathing awareness meditation on ambulatory blood pressure and sodium handling in prehypertensive African American adolescents.

This study evaluated the impact of a breathing awareness meditation (BAM) program on ambulatory blood pressure and sodium handling in African American adolescents with high-normal systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels. Following three consecutive days of SBP screenings, 66 eligible ninth graders were randomly assigned by school to either BAM (n = 20) or health education control (n = 46) groups. The BAM group engaged in 10-minute BAM sessions at school and at home each day for three months. Teachers conducted sessions at school during health classes. Before and after the intervention, overnight urine samples were collected, and ambulatory SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded periodically for 24 hours. Significant changes before and after the intervention were observed between BAM and control groups for SBP during school hours (-4.7 vs .9 mm Hg, P < .05), SBP at night (-4.8 vs -.6 mm Hg, P < .01), and heart rate during school hours (-6.7 vs -2.3 bpm, P < .02), adjusted for their respective preintervention levels. The overnight urinary sodium excretion rate decreased in the BAM group but increased in the control group (-.3 +/- 4.9 vs 1.1 +/- 4.0 mEq/hour, P < .03). These findings demonstrate the potential beneficial impact of BAM taught by school health teachers on blood pressure control in the natural environment in African American youth at risk for development of hypertension.

Motivating mothers to prevent caries: Confirming the beneficial effect of counseling

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a motivational interviewing (MI) counseling visit with traditional health education for mothers of young children at high risk of developing dental caries. The authors enrolled 240 infants aged 6 to 18 months and their mothers in the study and randomly assigned them to MI or traditional health education (control) groups. Mothers in the control group received a pamphlet and watched a videotape. Those in the MI group received the pamphlet and watched the videotape, as well as received an MI counseling session and six follow-up telephone calls during the first year. There were no interventions in year 2. After two years, children in the MI group exhibited significantly less new caries (decayed or filled surfaces) than those in the control group (that is, a protective effect of MI) (odds ratio = 0.35, 95 percent confidence interval = 0.15 to 0.83). MI is a promising approach that warrants further attention in a variety of dental contexts. The results of this study show that MI has a protective effect with regard to the development of early childhood caries. One reason for this clinical effect is greater compliance with recommended fluoride varnish treatment regimens in families who received MI counseling compared with families who received traditional education.

Predictors of sexual risk behaviors among adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention program

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the following: (1) whether adolescent mothers in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program had significantly greater perceived self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control to use condoms, and more favorable outcome expectancies and subjective norms regarding condom use than those in a health education control group, 3 months after intervention; and (2) the impact of the 3-month postintervention theoretical variables on intentions to use condoms at 3 months and sexual risk behaviors at 6 months. Methods Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to assess the influence of theoretical variables and treatment condition using data from 496 participants (78% Latinas, 18% African-Americans) who completed questionnaires at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluations. Results Substantial improvements were shown by both groups, with a slight advantage for the HIV prevention group, on all theoretical variables between pretest and the follow-up evaluations. In the predictive model, the intervention group reported significantly fewer sex partners. By using intentions to use condoms as a mediator, greater self-efficacy, hedonistic beliefs, positive subjective norms, and less unprotected sex predicted intentions to use condoms, which, in turn, predicted less unprotected sex. Lower subjective norms modestly predicted multiple partners. Significant indirect paths mediated through intentions to use condoms were observed. Conclusions These data support a relationship among several constructs from social cognitive theory and the theory of reasoned action, and subsequent sexual risk behaviors. HIV-prevention programs for adolescent mothers should be designed to include these theoretical constructs and to address contextual factors influencing their lives.