Volume 30, Issue 5: October, 2003

Abstract

Evaluation of an HIV and STD Prevention Program for Adolescents in Juvenile Rehabilitation Centers

Gaston Godin, PhD, Francine Michaud, MA, Michel Alary, MD, PhD, Johanne Otis, PhD, Benoît Mâsse, PhD, Christian Fortin, MD, MPH, Marie-Pierre Gagnon, MSc, Hélène Gagnon, MA

The aim of this study was to evaluate a sexual and STD/AIDS prevention program tailored for adolescents with social adaptation difficulties in juvenile rehabilitation facilities. The impact of the intervention on the psychosocial determinants of condom use were assessed, using a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. A total of 296 adolescents participated in the program (experimental group) while 240 adolescents did not receive the intervention (control group). The program led to positive outcomes among participants with respect to several of the main psychosocial determinants of condom use for sexual intercourse with a new partner. The results suggest that interventions that draw upon a combination of theoretical knowledge and consideration of the specific characteristics of the milieu could be efficient in promoting safer sexual practices among adolescents in juvenile rehabilitation centers.