Evaluating Post-test HIV Counseling Videos for Teens

Educational Effectiveness of an HIV Pretest Video for Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The design of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to test the effectiveness of a post-test behavioral video in educating adolescents about HIV transmission and affecting their intentions to engage in risk-reduction behavior.

Adolescents are at risk for HIV because of their engagement in high risk sexual activity. This study seeks to determine effective ways to educate teens about HIV and how to protect themselves by use of multimedia. All eligible participants who agree to enroll in this trial will be randomized into two arms: the behavioral intervention video (intervention group) or meeting with an in-person counselor (control group) as they wait for their rapid HIV results. The goals of the RCT involve establishing the feasibility of using touch-screen technology for teenagers in the ED; establishing the receptivity of teens to HIV rapid testing in the ED; providing data on rates, and obtaining preliminary data on the effectiveness of the video in changing condom efficacy, condom outcome expectancies and condom use intention. Consenting to rapid HIV testing is a secondary outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Youth who have had vaginal, anal or oral sex
2. 15-21 years of age
3. English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinically unstable secondary to pain or unstable vitals signs
2. Unable to understand the consent process for the study
3. Known HIV status or recent HIV test
4. Language other than English