“Let's Talk About Sex”: Pilot Study of an Interactive CD–ROM to Prevent HIV/STIS in Female Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot-test an interactive CD–ROM aimed at the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in female adolescents. The CD–ROM includes prevention information, models skills for negotiating abstinence and consistent condom use, teaches media literacy, and allows the user to choose a culturally appropriate host to guide them through the CD–ROM. Forty–seven female adolescents attending a health department clinic were randomized to receive the CD–ROM plus an educator–led didactic session versus the didactic session alone. The CD–ROM was highly acceptable and feasible for use among female adolescents in the clinic setting. Hispanic and African American adolescents were more likely to choose hosts of the same race/ethnicity to guide them through the CD–ROM. HIV/STI knowledge increased significantly and nearly all adolescents intended to use condoms at next intercourse after viewing the CD–ROM. However, there were no significant differences measured between CD–ROM and comparison groups.