Integrating Substance Abuse Content into an HIV Risk–Reduction Intervention: A Pilot Study with Middle School–Aged Hispanic Students

Abstract

A pilot study of a school-based HIV/AIDS risk reduction program with integrated components on substance abuse was conducted to determine: 1) its effectiveness in Hispanic, middle school-aged children and 2) if differences in effectiveness are found in students who report risky behaviors. Activity-oriented training on decision-making, HIV/AIDS illness, risky behaviors, and abstinence was provided to 125 students. Participants were classified into risk groups, based on reported sexual and alcohol/drug (AOD) activity. Effectiveness was analyzed by comparing the risk group's knowledge, beliefs, and perceived-risk scores pre/post-program in sexual activity, AOD use, disease course, and casual contact categories. This program improved some knowledge, few beliefs, and few perceived risks. The perceived-risk scores of the high-risk group did not reflect their higher risk for HIV/AIDS. School-based programs should measure actual HIV/AIDS risks, including AOD, to identify participants who need focused interventions. Further research is needed to understand how AOD influences risky sexual behaviors, and what content and interventions are useful.