Preventing HIV/AIDS risk behavior among youth

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the quality of published studies conducted in North America that assessed behavior change interventions to prevent HIV/AIDS among people ages 12-24 years. A search of the Medline, HealthStar, and AIDSLINE electronic databases was completed. English language articles published between 1995 and 2000 were screened for relevance. A scoring system was developed to assess eligible studies on the following criteria: (a) selection bias, (b) study design, (c) sample size, (d) description of intervention, (e) theoretical basis for intervention, (f) data collection, (g) long-term follow-up, and (h) attrition and withdrawals. Two reviewers evaluated studies. Of the 20 eligible studies, all (n = 20) used convenience samples. The most common research design used was the experimental (n = 16). Ten studies were rated as "Strong," 6 were of "Moderate" quality, and 4 were rated as "Weak." The quality of intervention evaluations related to HIV/AIDS prevention among young people appears to be improving, although recruitment of probability samples, use of standardized outcomes, and attrition rates remain as challenges.