Components of a model adolescent AIDS/drug abuse prevention program: A Delphi study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to specify the salient components of a model adolescent AIDS/drug abuse prevention program. A modified two-wave Delphi technique was used to survey two groups of experts in the areas of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. The panels consisted of ten drug abuse experts and eleven HIV/AIDS experts. Panels members were asked to respond to the following six questions: what information should be included; what educational techniques should be utilized; what format should be used; what methods should be used in dealing with gender differences; who, besides program staff, could be used in developing or implementing the program; and what readings or audio visuals should be employed in the model program. Insufficient information was ascertained to make valid conclusions about the reading, audio/visuals component of the study. In the remaining categories, 55 of the 211 statements generated in the first round of the survey received sufficient support by the drug panelists to be in the final profile. Drug experts agreed that information regarding the relationship between drug use and sexual risk taking should be provided and that combination lecture, discussion group, skills training format is best. Role plays and mixed small groups were suggested as a means of learning the various skills, as well as practicing the newly learned skills in actual situations. Follow-up activities that reinforce the skills were, also, suggested. AIDS experts selected 52 of 167 statements for inclusion. The panelists agreed that it was important to include information on what AIDS is, how it can and cannot be transmitted, and that anyone who engages in high risk behavior increases the transmission efficiency of HIV. They emphasized a "positive sex" approach and highly recommended behavioral skills training that extends to all areas of the adolescents' lives. They agreed that it was important to adapt the program to the specific subculture and cognitive/behavioral realities of the specific group for which the program is intended. Panelists strongly recommended that adolescents be involved in developing and implementing the program, and that gender "stereotyping" be avoided.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Lewis, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Health education|Social work
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