Adolescent Drug and HIV Prevention in South Africa

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this trial is to test the effectiveness of a classroom-based prevention program (HealthWise: Learning Life Skills for Young Adults) to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS and STIs, as well as substance use, among adolescents in one area of South Africa.

Detailed Description
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Recent estimates of the incidence of HIV among South African youth reveal rates to be among the highest in the world. Research shows that the sexual behaviors that put youth at increased risk for HIV often occur in the context of substance use. Consequently, effective prevention programs will most likely target both types of risk behavior. Research and theory also suggest that a positive youth development approach may be an useful way to reduce risk behavior. Therefore, our study involves the implementation of a classroom-based leisure, life-skill, and sexuality education curriculum, HealthWise: Learning Life Skills for Young Adults. This program is designed to reduce substance use and sexual risk behavior and to increase healthy leisure behavior and intra- and interpersonal skills. Students from 4 high schools are currently receiving the HealthWise lessons in the 8th and 9th grades; students from 5 other schools serve as controls. Participants complete survey assessments on PalmPilots twice per year, until they leave school. Three cohorts of students are participating in this trial. Our hypothesis is that HealthWise participants will engage in less risk behavior than controls. This will be tested using various statistical methodologies, including multiple regression, structural equation modeling, and growth modeling.

Official Title
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Adolescent Drug and HIV Prevention in South Africa

Conditions
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Substance-Related Disorders, Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: HealthWise South Africa curriculum


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: attending one of nine secondary schools involved in the HealthWise South Africa research trial Exclusion Criteria: None
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: HW<br>The experimental group (HW) receives 18 classroom-based lessons on leisure motivation, life skills, and skills to avoid substance use and sexual risk. | Behavioral: HealthWise South Africa curriculum<br>* 18 classroom lessons<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| incidence of ATOD use |  | 2 years | 
| incidence of lifetime sexual intercourse |  | 2 years | 
| rates of condom use |  | 2 years | 
| number of sexual partners |  | 2 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| knowledge and attitudes about substances and sex |  | 2 years | 
| healthy leisure attitudes/behaviors |  | 2 years | 
| levels of inter- and intrapersonal skills |  | 2 years | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Adolescent, Adolescent behavior, Adolescent development, Drinking behavior, Health behavior, Reproductive Behavior, Sexual Behavior, South Africa