Suchergebnisse

American adolescents are at high risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—the virus that causes AIDS—and for the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Given the seriousness of these health problems, interventions for preventing HIV and other STD infections among adolescents are needed. Although behavioral science theories offer promise, effective interventions for preventing HIV and other STD infections have not been developed. To fill gaps in scientific knowledge and foster the development of preventive interventions, new strategies are needed to reach, attract, and intervene with adolescents. Such strategies must be sensitive to the differences between adult and adolescent populations, target adolescents in school settings, and involve youths' families and communities. We address the need for such multicomponent, school-based interventions to prevent HIV and other STD infections. Drawing from our own and others' work, we review theory and empirical knowledge to support preventive interventions for youth at risk for HIV and other STD infections. We then detail a school-based intervention that is being empirically tested to determine its effectiveness in preventing HIV and other STD infections among students.

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility and assess the psychometric properties of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) in a sample of persons receiving services from an employee assistance program (EAP). Study participants (N = 176) were union members, including identified drug users and nonusers. As in other studies, the DAST was found to have a high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and item-total scale correlation. Also consistent with previous reports, factor analysis identified 5 factors. The multifactor solution of the DAST underscores the importance of measuring and assessing substance use along a continuum of early recognition to its more advanced stages. DAST scores were correlated with family, financial status, job performance, mental health problems, and alcohol abuse. Study findings lend support to the DAST as a practical screening tool for use by human resource workers who provide services for substance-using individuals who are receiving services in an EAP setting.