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Perceptions of Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adolescent Females Involved in Juvenile Justice
Catherine E Dunlop1, Aynsley H M Scheffert2, Allison Cowling3
1McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Summary
Adolescent girls in the juvenile justice system weigh immediate pros and cons for substance use and risky sexual behaviors. Understanding these motivations and barriers is key for effective prevention programs like CHOICES-TEEN.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent girls in the juvenile justice system face elevated risks for unintended pregnancy, STIs, and substance-exposed pregnancies.
- Existing prevention programs require tailored approaches to address the unique needs of this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore adolescent girls' perceived pros and cons regarding alcohol, tobacco, condom, and contraception use.
- To inform future iterations of the CHOICES-TEEN intervention and other prevention programs.
Main Methods:
- A one-arm pilot study involving 22 adolescent girls.
- Decisional balance exercise with a counselor, followed by content analysis of elicited pros and cons.
Main Results:
- Adolescents focused on immediate consequences when considering substance use and sexual behaviors.
- Recurring themes identified motivations for and barriers to behavioral change.
Conclusions:
- Immediate consequences significantly influence adolescent decision-making regarding substance use and sexual behaviors.
- Findings offer insights for developing targeted prevention strategies for justice-involved youth.
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