Evaluation of an HIV/STD Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Pregnant African American Adolescents Attending a Prenatal Clinic in an Urban Public Hospital: Preliminary Evidence of Efficacy

Abstract 

Study Objective

To evaluate an intervention to reduce HIV/STD-associated behaviors and enhance psychosocial mediators for pregnant African-American adolescents.

Design

A randomized controlled trial. Participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments.

Setting

An urban public hospital in the Southeastern U.S.

Participants

Pregnant African-American adolescents (N=170), 14–20 years of age, attending a prenatal clinic.

Intervention

Intervention participants received two 4-hr group sessions enhancing self-concept and self-worth, HIV/STD prevention skills, and safer sex practices. Participants in the comparison condition received a 2-hr session on healthy nutrition.

Main Outcome Measures

Consistent condom use.

Results

Intervention participants reported greater condom use at last intercourse (adjusted odds ratio=3.9, P=0.05) and consistent condom use (AOR=7.9, P=0.05), higher sexual communication frequency, enhanced ethnic pride, higher self-efficacy to refuse risky sex, and were less likely to fear abandonment as a result of negotiating safer sex.

Conclusions

Interventions for pregnant African-American adolescents can enhance condom use and psychosocial mediators.

Key Words: Adolescent, African-American, HIV/STD prevention intervention, Pregnant