NCT05368571 · University of Texas at Austin
CHOICES-TEEN Randomized Controlled Trial
What this study is about
This randomly assigned controlled trial will: 1) Test the effectiveness of the CHOICES-TEEN (CT) intervention compared with an Attentional Control (AC) condition on reducing the risk of substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP) and HIV/STI among high-risk female youth involved with the juvenile justice system by reducing alcohol use, increasing marijuana cessation, reducing risk of pregnancy, and increasing condom use; 2) Test the effectiveness of CT, compared to AC, on increasing cognitive self-regulation abilities; 3) Test proposed intervention mediators/mechanisms of action for CT overall and by race/ethnicity; and 4) Test the moderating effect of initial readiness to change on risk of SEP and risk of HIV/STI.
View original scientific description
This randomized controlled trial will: 1) Test the efficacy of the CHOICES-TEEN (CT) intervention compared with an Attentional Control (AC) condition on reducing the risk of substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP) and HIV/STI among high-risk female youth involved with the juvenile justice system by reducing alcohol use, increasing marijuana cessation, reducing risk of pregnancy, and increasing condom use; 2) Test the efficacy of CT, compared to AC, on increasing cognitive self-regulation abilities; 3) Test proposed intervention mediators/mechanisms of action for CT overall and by race/ethnicity; and 4) Test the moderating effect of initial readiness to change on risk of SEP and risk of HIV/STI.
Interventions
OTHER
CHOICES-TEEN
This is a four-session hybrid in-person and Telehealth counseling intervention that is designed to reduce the risk of HIV/STI and alcohol- and marijuana-exposed pregnancy for young women who are involved in the juvenile justice system between the ages of 14-19.
OTHER
Health and Life Skills Education
This is a four-session psychoeducational intervention that is designed to provide information on time management, sleep, nutrition and exercise, and financial management.
Primary outcome measures
Change in risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) as measured by self-reported daily standard drinks, vaginal sex, and use of contraception on the Timeline Followback calendar.
Time frame: 3, 6 and 9 months
Risk of AEP is defined as any risk drinking (\>3 drinks/day or \>7 drinks/week on average) and any occurrence of vaginal sex with no use or ineffective use of contraception in the assessment period. Self-reported daily alcohol use (in standard drinks), vaginal intercourse, and contraception (effective use) data from the Timeline Followback will be used to calculate risk of AEP for the previous 90 days. Change in Risk of AEP will be examined at 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intake. A participant will be considered at risk of AEP at each of the 3-, 6-, and 9 month timepoints if the participant had any occurrence of vaginal sex without the use of effective contraception and had more than 3 standard drinks on any day or more than 7 standard drinks per week on average in any 30 day period in the previous 90 days. Risk of AEP will be a dichotomous outcome (at risk of AEP or at reduced risk of AEP).
Change in risk of marijuana-exposed pregnancy (MEP) as measured by self-reported marijuana use, vaginal sex, and use of contraception on the Timeline Followback calendar.
Time frame: 3, 6, and 9 months
Risk of MEP is defined as any day with marijuana use and any occurrence of vaginal sex with no use or ineffective use of contraception in the assessment period. Self-reported data from the Timeline Followback will be used to calculate risk of MEP for the previous 90 days at 3-, 6- , and 9 months post-intake. A participant will be considered at risk of MEP at each of the 3-, 6-, and 9 month timepoints if the participant had any occurrence of vaginal sex without the use of effective contraception and had any day with marijuana use in any 30 day period in the previous 90 days. Risk of MEP will be a dichotomous outcome (at risk of MEP or at reduced risk of MEP).
Change in risk of HIV and STI
Time frame: 3, 6, and 9 months
Risk of HIV and STI is defined as any day with an occurrence of vaginal or anal sex without using a condom in the assessment period. Self-reported data from the Timeline Followback will be used to calculate risk HIV/STI risk for the previous 90 days at 3-, 6-, and 9 months post-intake. A participant will be considered at risk of HIV/STI at each of the 3-, 6- or 9 month timepoints if the participant had any occurrence of vaginal or anal sex without the use of a condom in any 30 day period in the previous 90 days. Risk of HIV/STI will be a dichotomous outcome (at risk of HIV/STI or not at risk of HIV/STI).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Female adolescents between 14-19 years of age, of any race, who are at risk of substance-exposed pregnancy and HIV/STI will be eligible. Specifically, they must report the following behaviors within the last 3 months:
- sexual intercourse with a male
- inconsistent/ineffective condom use AND
- inconsistent/ineffective contraception use
Exclusion criteria
- severe cognitive and/or psychiatric impairment that precludes cooperation with study protocol, per judgement of the interventionist or research staff
- do not speak or read/write in English
- unable to meet study requirements, including follow-up assessments
Where
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
Wayne State University
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations