A randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational interviewing-based group intervention for emerging adults...

Few brief evidence-based risk reduction programs for emerging adults experiencing homelessness focus on the interrelated problems of substance use and sexual risk behavior. This study examines outcomes from a 12-month evaluation of AWARE, a brief Motivational Interviewing (MI)-based group risk reduction intervention for this population.

In a cluster randomized crossover trial, N = 276 18-25-year-olds received AWARE or usual care at drop-in centers serving homeless youth in Los Angeles County. We evaluated intervention effects on substance use and condomless sex (primary outcomes), as well as drinking consequences and protective strategies, number of casual partners, self-efficacy, and motivation for change (secondary outcomes).

AWARE participants self-reported reductions in their alcohol use and negative consequences from drinking, and an increase in use of drinking protective strategies. AWARE participants also reported an initial decrease in drug use other than marijuana, followed by a slight uptake later on, as well as an initial increase in importance of cutting down on other drug use followed by a decrease. Control group participants did not show change in these outcomes. Among those who reported casual sex partners at both baseline and 12-month surveys, exploratory analyses indicated that AWARE participants had a 29 % decline in condomless sex with casual partners compared to a 6 % decline for control group participants.

Findings build on our pilot work by demonstrating that AWARE has long-term benefits on drinking among emerging adults experiencing homelessness. Further work should seek to strengthen its long-term effectiveness in reducing drug use in this population.