“There’s an app for that” — A novel tool to help community correction populations learn strategies to decrease HIV risk behaviors after release

• DOI: 10.1186/1940-0640-10-s1-a15
• Publication Date: 2015-06-18T11:28:20Z
• Authors: Julie Gray; Jennifer Pankow; Wayne EK Lehman; Grace Rowan; Kevin Knight
• Keywords: Health psychology; Workbook

During the first 5 years of Disease Risk Reduction Project, an in-prison intervention curriculum was developed and tested that focused on decreasing risky sexual drug use behaviors after release. The WaySafe delivered during 2 months prior to release from incarceration. Compared control group, those in showed greater gains all composite measures (e.g., HIV knowledge confidence, avoidance sex, use, testing awareness, risk reduction skills. In addition, followed by a take-home workbook be completed post-release. goal assignment reinforce skills strategies learned through offenders’ transition back into community.

With lessons assignment, as important next step, current project is focusing adapting delivering community correction populations. Because computerized interventions have demonstrated promising results with substance abuse treatment [1], new StaySafe formatted engaging computer-driven program. Computer applications these setting studies were found similarly or more efficacious than traditional counselor-led sessions [1]. These findings suggest adoption technologies deliver treatment. will incorporate same evidence-based cognitive principles 12 self-paced modules can self-administered 6 under supervision. This presentation provide overview approach discuss technological development elements. We demonstrate computerized, interactive, mapping for ideas within program well eliciting participant input responses, including strengths weaknesses different response recording audio using keyboard touchscreen type writing responses touchscreen, choosing predetermined, pull-down list). Examples several elements demonstrated.