The development of an innovative, theory-driven, psychoeducational HIV/STI prevention intervention for heterosexually active black adolescents with mental illnesses

Bibliographic Data

ID12893449
AuthorsBridgette M Brawner (University of Pennsylvania, corresponding author), Sarah Abboud (0000-0002-3822-7484, University of Illinois Chicago), Janaiya L Reason (University of Pennsylvania), Gina M Wingood (Columbia University), Loretta Sweet Jemmott (0000-0001-8509-5827, Drexel University)
Year2019
Volume14
Issue2
Pages151-165
Publication date2019-01-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueVulnerable Children and Youth Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1745-0136 • E-ISSN: 1745-0128
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17450128.2019.1567962
PMID31687041
OpenAlexW2912825504
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited27

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), continue to disproportionately affect Black adolescents. Those experiencing the psychological sequelae of mental illnesses are at increased risk. Here, we outline the development of an HIV/STI prevention intervention for heterosexually-active Black adolescents with mental illnesses. This research was guided by a psychosocial expansion of the Theory of Planned Behavior, nested within a broader social determinants of health framework. A youth community advisory board provided study oversight. Heterosexually-active Black adolescents aged 14 to 17 were recruited from community-based outpatient mental health providers for focus groups, surveys and two "dress rehearsals" of the intervention protocol ( N = 68). The qualitative and quantitative findings indicated that knowledge, attitudes and skills related to consistent condom use, reduced number of sexual partners, routine HIV/STI testing, abstinence and emotion regulation were important areas to target. These elicitation data provided insight on the context of HIV/STI risk for the study population, and were used to develop the intervention content. "Project GOLD: We are Kings and Queens" was designed to be delivered over two days (three hours per day), with eight, 45-minute modules. The activities address behaviors, as well as cognitive, emotional, psychological and social processes associated with HIV/STI risk. Alongside evidence-based HIV/STI prevention strategies (e.g., sexual partner communication skills), the intervention activities are rooted in principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dress rehearsal participants were in favor of the intervention and provided feedback on activity length, gender and cultural relevance, and strategies to sustain attention; this information was used to finalize the curriculum. In partnership with the community, we developed a theoretically-driven, gender and culturally relevant, developmentally and psychologically appropriate HIV/STI prevention program. Our ultimate goal is to standardize sexual health assessment and intervention in outpatient mental health treatment settings to meet sexual health needs in this underserved population

Condom · Context (archaeology · Environmental health · Family medicine · Focus group · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Intervention (counseling · Mental health · Population · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Gerontology

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