Participant-identified intervention components and facilitator characteristics for an HIV risk reduction program among incarcerated adolescents

Background: Incarcerated adolescents are at an increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV compared to their non-detained adolescent peers. The purpose of the current pilot study was to elicit feedback from diverse incarcerated adolescents regarding their experiences and perceptions of a partner-specific HIV risk behavior intervention that included didactic presentations, as well as videos designed to impact attitudes and motivations.

Methods: Participants were 17 ethnically and racially diverse incarcerated adolescents recruited from a juvenile correctional facility. Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted in order to elicit participant feedback. Textual data and thematic analyses were used to explore positive and negative reactions to the intervention and the facilitator.

Results: The majority of adolescents identified one of the videos that addressed a common misconception that HIV is something that cannot happen to them as being thought-provoking. Many reported that their least favorite parts of the intervention were being lectured to and repetitive safer-sex information. The facilitator's ability to be relatable (e.g., "cool," "likable") and provide clear explanations were noted as strengths. Many of the adolescents indicated that the messages they would use post-release were to "always use a condom" and "talk to their partner about sex."

Conclusions: Effective interventions designed to reduce incarcerated adolescents' risk of STIs/HIV should rely less on lecture and include videos that personalize the experience of HIV, and make use of relatable facilitators capable of providing clear explanations. This format was reported to aid participant retention of information about condom use and communication with partners about sex.