The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47977

Nantiya Chookaew, MSN, RN, School of Nursing, University of Maryland Baltimore, 655 West Lombard Street, 4th Floor Suite 404, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-644-0748, nchoo001@umaryland.edu

AIDS has emerged as the sixth leading cause of death among adolescents. HIV/AIDS continues to be a complex, multidimensional and major public health crisis without cure. Prevention and control of this epidemic is at least as important as cure of the disease. Numerous studies have attempted to reduce HIV risk-taking behaviors, employing a variety of interventions with varying results. A meta-analysis of published studies was conducted to assess the effectiveness of adolescent-targeted HIV/AIDS programs designed to prevent HIV risk-taking behaviors.

A systematic quantitative review of the relevant literature from 1980 to 2001 was performed. Published primary studies that provided HIV risk behavior outcome data along with details sufficient for calculation of effect size were identified and retrieved. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies' quality and results were then coded, and HIV risk behavior outcomes were statistically integrated. Effect sizes and homogeneity of variance measures were calculated. Although there is evidence in primary studies to suggest that HIV prevention programs are effective in reducing HIV risk-taking behaviors, the overall effect size of the intervention studies included in this meta-analysis was 0.112 (Z=2.83, p < .001). The overall effect size obtained indicates a small positive impact of HIV/AIDS programs in preventing HIV risk-taking behaviors. A number of potential moderators were then examined. Implications of these results for HIV education efforts are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant in the session will be able to 1.Evaluate the effect of HIV/AIDS program on HIV risk-taking behaviors among adolescents 2.Identify potential moderators influencing the effect of HIV/AIDS program 3.Discuss the implication of these results for future study.

Keywords: Adolescents, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.