The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72321

Alyssa G. Robillard, PhD¹, Ronald Braithwaite, PhD², Tammy M. Woodring, MPH³, Rhonda C. Conerly, PhD¹, and Torrance Stephens, PhD¹. (1) Behavioral Sciences and Health Education Department, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30084, 404-727-9823, arobill@sph.emory.edu, (2) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Room 564, Atlanta, GA 30322, (3) Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public HealthEmory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322

Condom use self-efficacy is frequently identified as a factor supporting consistent condom use and aiding in the prevention of HIV. The present study tested the hypothesis that adolescent offenders participating in an HIV and alcohol use risk reduction intervention would report significantly higher self-efficacy for condom use over time than those in a comparison group. Project SHARP is a randomized experimental investigation of the effects of an intervention designed to reduce risky sexual behavior, future drug and alcohol use, and delinquency among detained youth utilizing components of the problem behavior theory and social cognitive theory. Participants (N = 2280) were recruited from two regional youth development campuses, and randomized into either the intervention group or a comparison group receiving standard health information. The intervention was administered to cohorts of youth during the second month of their confinement in a 90-day juvenile facility. Data are from pre and post questionnaires administered to all participants. Interviews encompassed several measures including demographics and condom use self-efficacy (r = .76). Analysis of the pre/post condom use self-efficacy scores revealed a significant effect for the intervention. Youth in the intervention had significantly higher condom use self-efficacy at follow-up than youth in the comparison group (t (1422) = 2.1, p = .040). The intervention had a notable effect on condom use self-efficacy among adolescent offenders above that observed by youth receiving standard health information. Condom use self-efficacy should be a core aspect of risk reduction interventions for detained youth to encourage and support protective behavioral practices.

Learning Objectives:

After completion of this activity, participants will be able to (
• Describe the methodological procedures for the study, (
• identify the impact of Project SHARP in relation to adolescent offenders' condom use self-efficacy, (
• identify applicability of project to future programs.

Keywords: Youth, Inmates

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.