Integrating substance abuse content into an HIV risk‐reduction intervention: A pilot study with middle school‐aged Hispanic students

A pilot study of a school‐based HIV/AIDS risk reduction program with integrated components on substance abuse was conducted to determine: 1) its effectiveness in Hispanic, middle school‐aged children and 2) if differences in effectiveness are found in students who report risky behaviors. Activity‐oriented training on decision‐making, HIV/AIDS illness, risky behaviors, and abstinence was provided to 125 students. Participants were classified into risk groups, based on reported sexual and alcohol/drug (AOD) activity. Effectiveness was analyzed by comparing the risk group's knowledge, beliefs, and perceived‐risk scores pre/post‐program in sexual activity, AOD use, disease course, and casual contact categories. This program improved some knowledge, few beliefs, and few perceived risks. The perceived‐risk scores of the high‐risk group did not reflect their higher risk for HIV/AIDS‐ School‐based programs should measure actual HIV/AIDS risks, including AOD, to identify participants who need focused interventions. Further research is needed to understand how AOD influences risky sexual behaviors, and what content and interventions are useful.