Evaluating the Acceptability and Feasibility of Project ACCEPT: An Intervention for Youth Newly Diagnosed with HIV

• Published in: AIDS education and prevention Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 128 - 144
• Main Authors: Hosek, Sybil G, Lemos, Diana, Harper, Gary W, Telander, Kyle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Guilford Press 01-04-2011
• Subjects: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Adolescents; African Americans; Counseling; Depression (Psychology); Feasibility Studies; Female; Gender Differences; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Promotion; HIV Infections - diagnosis; HIV Infections - psychology; Humans; Intervention; Knowledge Level; Male; Mental Health Programs; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Peer Group; Pilot Projects; Program Effectiveness; Self Efficacy; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Social Bias; Social Support; Social Support Groups; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0899-9546; 1943-2755
• DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2011.23.2.128

Given the potential for negative psychosocial and medical outcomes following an HIV diagnosis, Project ACCEPT, a 12-session behavioral intervention, was developed and pilot-tested for youth (aged 16-24) newly diagnosed with HIV. Fifty participants recently diagnosed with HIV were enrolled from 4 sites selected through the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network (ATN). The majority of participants identified as African American (78%). Feasibility and acceptability data demonstrated high rates of participation and high levels of satisfaction with the intervention program from both participants and staff. Exploratory outcome data demonstrated improved levels of HIV knowledge that were sustained over time (Cohen's effect [d] d = 0.52) and improvements in peer (d = 0.35) and formal (d = 0.20) social support immediately postintervention. Gender differences emerged over time in the areas of depressive symptoms, family social support, self-efficacy for sexual discussion, and personalized stigma. Project ACCEPT appears to be an acceptable and feasible intervention to implement in clinical settings for youth newly diagnosed with HIV.