Multicomponent, School-Based Strategies to Prevent HIV Infection and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents: Theory and Research Into Practice

American adolescents are at high risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—the virus that causes AIDS—and for the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Given the seriousness of these health problems, interventions for preventing HIV and other STD infections among adolescents are needed. Although behavioral science theories offer promise, effective interventions for preventing HIV and other STD infections have not been developed. To fill gaps in scientific knowledge and foster the development of preventive interventions, new strategies are needed to reach, attract, and intervene with adolescents. Such strategies must be sensitive to the differences between adult and adolescent populations, target adolescents in school settings, and involve youths' families and communities. We address the need for such multicomponent, school-based interventions to prevent HIV and other STD infections. Drawing from our own and others' work, we review theory and empirical knowledge to support preventive interventions for youth at risk for HIV and other STD infections. We then detail a school-based intervention that is being empirically tested to determine its effectiveness in preventing HIV and other STD infections among students.