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Common Processes in Evidence-Based Adolescent HIV Prevention Programs

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Abstract

Dissemination of evidence-based HIV prevention programs for adolescents will be increased if community interventionists are able to distinguish core, essential program elements from optional, discretionary ones. We selected five successful adolescent HIV prevention programs, used a qualitative coding method to identify common processes described in the procedural manuals, and then compared the programs. Nineteen common processes were categorized as structural features, group management strategies, competence building, and addressing developmental challenges of adolescence. All programs shared the same structural features (goal-setting and session agendas), used an active engagement style of group management, and built cognitive competence. Programs varied in attention to developmental challenges, emphasis on behavioral and emotional competence, and group management methods. This qualitative analysis demonstrated that successful HIV programs contain processes not articulated in their developers’ theoretical models. By moving from the concrete specifics of branded interventions to identification of core, common processes, we are consistent with the progress of “common factors” research in psychotherapy.

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Acknowledgements

This paper was completed with the support of National Institute of Mental Health grants #1ROI MH49958-04, K-23 MH02050-03, and P30MH58107. We wish to acknowledge Pepperdine graduate students Arlene Cruz, Angel Duncan, and James M. Keener for coding the manuals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Barbara L. Ingram

  2. Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, 10920 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90024-6521, USA

    Diane Flannery, Amy Elkavich & Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus

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  1. Barbara L. Ingram
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  2. Diane Flannery
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  3. Amy Elkavich
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  4. Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus
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Correspondence to Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus.

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Ingram, B.L., Flannery, D., Elkavich, A. et al. Common Processes in Evidence-Based Adolescent HIV Prevention Programs. AIDS Behav 12, 374–383 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9369-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9369-1

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