Intervention to reduce substance-exposed pregnancies and HIV/STI risks in at-risk female teens

CHOICES-TEEN: Efficacy of a Bundled Risk Reduction Intervention for Juvenile Justice Females

NA · University of Texas at Austin · NCT05368571

This study is testing a program to help at-risk teenage girls in the juvenile justice system reduce substance use and practice safe sex to lower their chances of having substance-exposed pregnancies and getting HIV or STIs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 19 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Texas at Austin (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05368571 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CHOICES-TEEN intervention aims to reduce the risk of substance-exposed pregnancies and HIV/STI among high-risk female youth involved with the juvenile justice system. This randomized controlled trial will compare the efficacy of the CHOICES-TEEN intervention against an attentional control group, focusing on reducing alcohol use, promoting marijuana cessation, and increasing safe sex practices. Participants will be female adolescents aged 14-19 who report specific risk behaviors, and the study will assess outcomes at 3, 6, and 9 months post-intervention. The trial will also explore cognitive self-regulation and the impact of initial readiness to change on intervention outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female adolescents aged 14-19 who are at risk for substance-exposed pregnancies and HIV/STI due to specific sexual behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive or psychiatric impairments that prevent cooperation with the study protocol will not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the rates of substance-exposed pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among at-risk youth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar behavioral interventions targeting substance use and sexual health among at-risk youth, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Risk for an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy, Risk for Marijuana-Exposed Pregnancy, Risk for Substance-Exposed Pregnancy, HIV Risk, Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.