Evidence-based HIV/AIDS behavioral interventions for African American youth, systematic review 1988-2007

Background/Objectives: African Americans, particularly youth, are disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US. In 2005, African Americans represented 49% of HIV/AIDS diagnosis in the U.S and black adolescents accounted for 69% of reported AIDS cases among adolescents aged 13-19 years. This systematic review synthesizes scientific literature to identify interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in reducing HIV-risk sex behaviors among black youth.

Methods: Comprehensive searches were conducted to identify relevant studies published between 1988 and 2007. Eligible studies were US-based HIV/STD behavioral interventions that (1) targeted black youth or tested with a majority of black youth (>50%), (2) evaluated intervention efficacy with control trials, and (3) reported at least one HIV/STD behavioral outcome (condom use, abstinence) or biologic outcome (incident STD). Each study was evaluated using explicit criteria that assess quality of research design, study implementation, and analyses, and strength of findings.

Results: Thirty-one relevant interventions were identified and eleven of those demonstrated evidence of efficacy(evidence-based intervention, EBI). Only one EBI targeted drug-using youth, and none specifically targeted youth who engage in same-sex behaviors. All EBIs are age appropriate and six EBIs specifically address ethnic and gender pride. All EBIs tackle cognition (e.g., self-efficacy, personal risk), knowledge, and skills building (e.g., correct use of condom, negotiation).

Conclusions/Implications: It is encouraging that EBIs are available for black youth. These EBIs should be disseminated to communities where black youth are affected by HIV/STD. More interventions are needed, especially the ones targeting drug-using youth and youth engaged in same-sex behavior.