Partner-Specific HIV Risk Reduction Intervention for Drug-Using Adolescents (GET UP)

• knowledge about STI transmission [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• partner-specific perceptions of STI risks [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• social norms, expectations and personal attitudes regarding partner-specific sexual behavior [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• partner-specific behavioral and communication skills [ Time Frame: 3 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

• knowledge about STI transmission [ Time Frame: 3 months & 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• partner-specific perceptions of STI risks [ Time Frame: 3 months & 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• social norms, expectations and personal attitudes regarding partner-specific sexual behavior [ Time Frame: 3 months & 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• partner-specific behavioral and communication skills [ Time Frame: 3 months & 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The purpose of this study is to develop and pilot test a partner-specific HIV risk reduction intervention for currently or recently incarcerated adolescents who report problematic substance use.

Incarcerated adolescents represent a group at high risk for health consequences associated with risky sexual behaviors. Condom use is more common with non-main than main sex partners and substance use in conjunction with sexual risk also appears to vary by partner type. The research team will conduct a small randomized trial to pilot test a partner-specific HIV risk reduction intervention for currently or recently incarcerated adolescents who report problematic substance use. Participants will be randomized to a 5 session HIV risk reduction group intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, or a 5 session healthy lifestyles psychoeducation intervention, and then reassessed 3 months after their access to the general community is reinstated. The main hypothesis is that participants in the HIV risk reduction intervention condition will have lower levels of sex-related HIV risk behavior and of substance use in conjunction with sexual risk, relative to those in a healthy lifestyles psychoeducation intervention.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Substance-Related Disorders

• Behavioral: Partner-Specific IMB-based HIV risk reduction intervention
  5 session partner-specific HIV risk reduction group intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model.
• Behavioral: Healthy Lifestyle
  5 session psychoeducational group, designed to provide equivalent time and attention, that focuses on the importance of maintaining a good diet, exercise, and developing health skills.

• Experimental: Partner Specific IMB
  partner-specific HIV risk reduction intervention
  Intervention: Behavioral: Partner-Specific IMB-based HIV risk reduction intervention
• Placebo Comparator: HLS
  5 session psychoeducational group, designed to provide equivalent time and attention, that focuses on the importance of maintaining a good diet, exercise, and developing health skills.
  Intervention: Behavioral: Healthy Lifestyle

Inclusion Criteria:

• English-speaking ability
• unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse at least once in the 6 months prior to incarceration or placement
• marijuana use disorders, other non-injection drug use disorders, or substance use by a sexual partner during a sexual episode in the six months prior to incarceration or placement
• sentence or placement length between 2 and 12 months
• must plan to remain in the area for the 6 months following their release from the facility
• must be willing to provide two pieces of contact information for follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

• signs of psychosis (assessed through clinical assessment)