The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69689

Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, PhD¹, Martha B. Lee, PhD¹, Patricia Lester, MD², Ying Ying Lin, MPH³, and Patricia L. Jones, MPH, CHES³. (1) Neuropsychiatric Institute, Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire, Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024-6521, (2) Neuropsychiatric Institute , Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024-6521, (3) Neuropsychiatric Institute, Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA 90024-6521

Goal: The adjustment of adolescents whose parents are living with HIV was evaluated over 6 years, in comparison to a sample neighborhood of adolescents whose parents are living with cancer. Method: A representative sample of parents living with HIV (n=307) and their adolescent children (n=420) were randomly assigned to receive an intervention or not, and followed longitudinally over 6 years. Parents with cancer and their children were evaluated along with comparison samples from families' neighborhoods; the babies of the adolescent children were also assessed (n=107). Results: Over two years, both parents and youth reduced their problem behaviors (i.e., drug use, unprotected sex, criminal justice contact) and emotional distress; however relapse began at two years. By four years, both groups again experienced higher levels of emotional distress and problem behaviors. However, there were significant lower rates of substance abuse relapse among parents and fewer babies born to adolescents in the intervention condition at four years. At six years, babies of adolescents in the intervention condition were assessed as having a higher IQ and better home environments than the babies of the adolescents in the control condition. Conclusion: Prevention programs must be designed to sustain intervention gains over time, including maintenance strategies from the program's inception. Unanticipated results that have substantial long-term societal benefits appear to occur from HIV prevention programs.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, presentation attendees will be able to do the following:
• Identify the emotional adjustment styles of youth who have parents living with HIV.
• Recognize differences in adjustment styles among youth who have parents living with HIV as compared to the control condition.

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.