Supporting Sustained STAR-VA Implementation: Evaluation of a Sustainment Coaching Program

ObjectivesThe Veterans Health Administration (VA) STAR-VA program is a person-centered, interdisciplinary intervention for managing distress behaviors in dementia in VA nursing homes, called Community Living Centers (CLCs). Teams often struggle to sustain STAR-VA after site-lead partner turnover. The STAR-VA Sustainment Coaching Program was developed to support a new local STAR-VA behavioral coordinator and/or nurse champion (ie, site-leads) and engage the team to implement sustainment strategies. The aims of this evaluation were to document sustainment needs, barriers and facilitators, and effective strategies used during a sustainment intervention.DesignWe describe qualitative and quantitative findings of a program evaluation of the STAR-VA Sustainment Coaching pilot program.Setting and ParticipantsEight CLC teams participated in the pilot program, 5 training a new nurse champion, 2 a new behavioral coordinator, and 1 both new site-leads.MethodsCLC teams completed a needs assessment, developed sustainment goals and plans, tracked sustainment interventions implemented, and reported case outcomes. Outcome assessment and tracking reports were summarized and themes identified using a qualitative inductive approach.ResultsCommon sustainment needs were to train a new nurse champion, promote staff understanding of dementia and distress behaviors, and promote a culture of person-centered dementia care. Most sites selected sustainment goals of implementing training procedures and behavioral rounds. Sustainment barriers included limited staff time, staff turnover, lack of supportive routines and tools, and limited awareness of STAR-VA. Facilitators included leadership support, staff interest, and training resources. Most sites reported successful implementation of STAR-VA behavior rounds, whereas strategies to achieve training-related goals had variable success.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe STAR-VA Sustainment Coaching Program helped CLC teams identify and implement strategies to support sustained STAR-VA implementation. The results of this project are informing ongoing efforts to integrate STAR-VA components into usual care processes for CLC residents with dementia.     

Preparing Long-Term Care Staff to Meet the Needs of Aging Persons With Serious Mental Illness

ObjectivesIndividuals with serious mental illness (SMI; schizophrenia spectrum disorders and affective psychoses) are increasingly aging into older adulthood and are overrepresented in residential long-term care settings. The present study aimed to examine the preparedness of staff in these settings to care for individuals with SMI.DesignA multidisciplinary US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workgroup of professionals with expertise in geriatric mental health collected voluntary feedback via online questionnaire as part of a quality improvement project.Setting and ParticipantsRespondents were mental health providers (N=51) embedded in VA nursing homes called Community Living Centers (CLCs).MeasuresThe questionnaire contained multiple-choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended questions regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with caring for Veterans with SMI in CLCs.ResultsRespondents identified a lack of training of front-line staff as a key challenge in providing high-quality care to residents with SMI. Specifically, respondents indicated a need to increase staff knowledge about SMI symptoms and diagnoses, to improve staff communication and interactions with residents with SMI, and to decrease mental illness stigma among staff.Conclusions/ImplicationsThe present study revealed significant areas of training need for front-line staff in nursing homes. Many perceived staff training needs overlap with the knowledge and skill set required to provide high-quality dementia care. Integrating training regarding the care of residents with SMI into dementia care training efforts may be a fruitful future direction. Strategies for this and a suggested curriculum are provided.     

Pragmatic Trial of Personalized Music for Agitation and Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

ObjectiveTo test the effect of a personalized music intervention on agitated behaviors and medication use among long-stay nursing home residents with dementia.DesignPragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial of a personalized music intervention. Staff in intervention facilities identified residents' early music preferences and offered music at early signs of agitation or when disruptive behaviors typically occur. Usual care in control facilities may include ambient or group music.Setting and ParticipantsThe study was conducted between June 2019 and February 2020 at 54 nursing homes (27 intervention and 27 control) in 10 states owned by 4 corporations.MethodsFour-month outcomes were measured for each resident. The primary outcome was frequency of agitated behaviors using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Secondary outcomes included frequency of agitated behaviors reported in the Minimum Data Set and the proportion of residents using antipsychotic, antidepressant, or antianxiety medications.ResultsThe study included 976 residents with dementia [483 treatment and 493 control; mean age = 80.3 years (SD 12.3), 69% female, 25% African American]. CMAI scores were not significantly different (treatment: 50.67, SE 1.94; control: 49.34, SE 1.68) [average marginal effect (AME) 1.33, SE 1.38, 95% CI ?1.37 to 4.03]. Minimum Data Set–based behavior scores were also not significantly different (treatment: 0.35, SE 0.13; control: 0.46, SE 0.11) (AME –0.11, SE 0.10, 95% CI ?0.30 to 0.08). Fewer residents in intervention facilities used antipsychotics in the past week compared with controls (treatment: 26.2, SE 1.4; control: 29.6, SE 1.3) (AME –3.61, SE 1.85, 95% CI ?7.22 to 0.00), but neither this nor other measures of psychotropic drug use were statistically significant.Conclusions and ImplicationsPersonalized music was not significantly effective in reducing agitated behaviors or psychotropic drug use among long-stay residents with dementia. Barriers to full implementation included engaging frontline nursing staff and identifying resident's preferred music.     

Retaliatory attitudes and violent behaviors among assault-injured youth

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of retaliatory attitudes on subsequent violent behavior and fight-related injuries among youth who presented to the emergency department with assault injuries.DesignAssault-injured youth were interviewed at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months to assess fighting behavior, retaliatory attitudes, weapon carrying, and injury history as part of a larger randomized control trial.SettingTwo emergency departments in urban areas were selected for the study.ParticipantsA total of 129 adolescents aged 10–15 years were included in the study.Outcome measuresFighting behavior, assault injury, weapon carrying, and aggressive behavior.ResultsHigher retaliatory attitudes at baseline were associated with more aggression and a higher frequency of fighting over time.ConclusionsRetaliatory attitudes may fuel cycles of violence among youth. Medical professionals in acute care settings have an opportunity to identify youths at risk of future assault injury by assessing retaliation, providing anticipatory guidance, and referring to intervention programs.     

Nursing aide reports of combative behavior by residents with dementia: results from a detailed prospective incident diary

ObjectivesThis study examined nursing aides' (NAs) perspectives of specific incidents of combative behavior from nursing home residents with dementia, particularly their attributions for the behaviors.DesignThis research is part of a larger mixed-method study exploring combative behavior as experienced by NAs. The data for this component were collected using a cross-sectional survey design. NAs used a prospective event-reporting log or “diary” to record consecutive incidents of combative resident behaviors.SettingEleven rural nursing homes located in a mid-Western Canadian province.ParticipantsEighty-three full-time, part-time, and casual NAs.MeasurementsNAs used the diary instrument to document details of each incident of combative behavior over a 144-hour period. Findings from the diaries were explored in subsequent focus groups (reported elsewhere).ResultsThe 83 NAs reported 409 incidents linked to residents with dementia, with a range of 1 to 28 incidents per aide. The frequency of incidents in the preceding month was reported as follows: none (11.1%), 1–5 times (58.7%), 6–10 times (11.1%), more than 10 times (19.0%). Most incidents occurred in residents' rooms (65%) during personal care, with the most frequent behaviors reported as slapping, squeezing, punching or hitting, and shoving. The main perceived causes of the behavior were cognitive impairment and residents not wanting care. NAs reported they could control or modify the cause in only 3% of incidents, and they were not optimistic about preventing future combative behaviors. They continued to provide care in 89% of incidents.ConclusionIn the diaries, NAs identified resident-related factors (cognitive impairment and not wanting care) as the main causes of combative behavior, and they reported having no control over these factors. In the focus groups conducted to explore diary findings, NAs reported system-level factors, also beyond their control, which affected their practices and increased their risk of exposure to combative behavior. Taken together, the results of this research program suggest a need for a broad multifaceted strategy aimed at addressing the modifiable risk factors, which includes recognizing NAs as equal partners in a team process backed by strong organizational support and commitment.     

杭州市社区医疗机构职工开展生活方式健康促进的效果评价

目的 了解杭州市社区医疗机构医务人员健康促进生活方式的干预现况,评估干预措施效果.方法 采用问卷方式调查杭州市3个代表性城区(下城区、拱墅区和西湖区)社区医务人员,内容包括职工日常饮食习惯、生活方式,工作场所开展吸烟、饮食和体力活动干预措施及同事间健康促进影响情况.采用x2检验及logistic回归法评估工作场所健康促进活动的干预效果.结果 工作场所吸烟干预措施中,讲座、戒烟规定及个体戒烟咨询均无显著效果；在饮食干预中参加平衡膳食、合理营养讲座课程与经常吃蔬菜、水果间存在关联,其经常吃蔬菜、水果的频率是未参与者的1.74倍(OR=1.74,95％CI:1.22～2.47)；体力活动干预措施中,同伴效应效果显著,和同事-起参与体力活动的职工进行有规律的高、中度体力活动频率是非干预措施组的1.62倍(OR=1.62,95％CI:1.15～2.29).干预措施的联合效应分析表明,无论是饮食干预还是体力活动干预,多干预措施联合作用可显著提高职工健康饮食和规律运动的行为习惯.结论 在工作场所开展饮食和体力活动干预,可显著改进职工的健康促进行为.     

Nursing Home Staff Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Quality Improvement Intervention

ObjectivesQuality improvement (QI) may be a promising approach for staff to improve the quality of care in nursing homes. However, little is known about the challenges and facilitators to implementing QI interventions in nursing homes. This study examines staff perspectives on the implementation process.DesignWe conducted semistructured interviews with staff involved in implementing an evidence-based QI intervention (“LOCK”) to improve interactions between residents and staff through targeted staff behavior change. The LOCK intervention consists of 4 practices: (1) Learn from the bright spots, (2) Observe, (3) Collaborate in huddles, and (4) Keep it bite sized.Setting and participantsWe interviewed staff members in 6 Veterans Health Administration nursing homes [ie, Community Living Centers (CLCs)] via opportunistic and snowball sampling.MeasuresThe semistructured interviews were grounded in the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model of behavior change and covered staff experience, challenges, facilitators, and lessons learned during the implementation process. The interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsOverall, staff accepted the intervention and appreciated the focus on the positives. Challenges fell largely within the categories of capability and opportunity and included difficulty finding time to complete intervention activities, inability to interpret data reports, need for ongoing training, and misunderstanding of study goals. Facilitators were largely within the motivation category, including incentives for participation, reinforcement of desired behavior, feasibility of intervention activities, and use of data to quantify improvements.Conclusions/ImplicationsAs QI programs become more common in nursing homes, it is critical that interventions are tailored for this unique setting. We identified barriers and facilitators of our intervention's implementation and learned that no challenge was insurmountable or derailed the implementation of LOCK. This ability of frontline staff to overcome implementation challenges may be attributed to LOCK's inherently motivational features. Future nursing home QI interventions should consider including built-in motivational components.     

The impact of culture change on elders' behavioral symptoms: a longitudinal study

ObjectivesDistressing behavioral symptoms often associated with dementia are not uncommon in the long term care setting. Culture change with its “person-centered approach to care” provides a potential nonpharmacological intervention to reduce these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a culture change initiative and nursing home elders’ behavioral symptoms.DesignSeven long term care communities (nursing units in 3 skilled nursing facilities) participated in a culture change intervention designed to transform the nursing home experience from a traditional hospital-model of care to one that is person-centered. Six comparison communities were matched to the intervention communities and continued to function along the typical nursing home organizational structure. Data were collected at baseline and 2 years later.MethodsSubjects were 101 elders (intervention group n = 50, comparison group n = 51). Each elder’s primary day certified nursing assistant completed the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, examining frequency of behavioral symptoms, including verbal and physical agitation as well as more forceful behaviors (eg, hitting, kicking) at both data collection periods.ResultsAfter controlling for functional status and race, a significant condition by time interaction was found for physical agitation and forceful behaviors with the person-centered group maintaining levels of behavioral symptoms as compared with a significant increase over time among the comparison group. A trend with the same pattern was found for verbal agitation.ConclusionsPerson-centered care demonstrated potential as a nonpharmacological intervention for distressing behavioral symptoms. The positive impact of culture change appears to extend to elders with cognitive impairment who are less obvious beneficiaries of this model, featuring the central principals of autonomy and person-centered care.     

Alice Hamilton and the FBI

Abstract

We surveyed 222 nurses, nursing assistants, and clerks at a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan on responses to workplace violence, treatment of violent patients, and reporting behavior. Staff reported 78 incidents of physical violence (PV), 113 of verbal abuse (VA), 35 of bullying/mobbing (BM), 21 of sexual harassment (SH), and 10 of racial harassment (RH) over the course of one year. Among affected staff, only 31% of those experiencing PV and <10% of those experiencing other categories of violence completed a formal report. Highest levels of reporting to senior staff were among those affected by SH. Patients who were physically violent were more likely to be injected with medication than patients showing other violent behaviors. More VA-affected staff considered the incident not important enough to report. Other reasons for not reporting the incident were fear of negative consequences, especially for BM, and shame for SH. Reliable systems for responding to and reporting patient violence should be developed.     

Variety and Duration of Different Sedentary Behaviors,Inflammation, Genetic Susceptibility,and New-Onset Dementia in the Older Population

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the relationship of the variety and duration of different sedentary behaviors (TV-watching, driving, and nonoccupational computer use) with the risk of dementia in older participants, and examine whether inflammation and genetic susceptibility may modify the relationship.DesignA prospective cohort study.Setting and Participants173,829 older participants (≥60 years) without prior dementia in the UK Biobank were enrolled.MethodsA healthy sedentary behavior score was calculated as the number of the 3 major sedentary behaviors with a duration associated with the lowest risk of dementia. The primary outcome was new-onset all-cause dementia.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.4 years, 4965 (2.9%) participants developed new-onset dementia. There were U-shaped associations for TV-watching and driving time, and a reversed J-shaped association for nonoccupational computer use time with new-onset all-cause dementia, with the lowest dementia risk at >0-<2 hours/day for all the 3 sedentary behaviors. Moreover, a higher healthy sedentary behavior score was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia (per 1 score increment: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.81), with a stronger inverse association in those with higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocytes (both P-interactions <.05). Genetic risks of dementia did not significantly modify the association. Similar trends were found for new-onset Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe associations between the duration of different sedentary behaviors and new-onset dementia were different in the older population. Moreover, the variety of sedentary behavior was inversely associated with new-onset dementia, especially among those with higher levels of inflammation.     

The Effect of Goal Setting on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Physical Activity Level in a Web-Based Intervention

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between goal setting and fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and physical activity (PA) in an intervention for college students.MethodsSecondary data analysis of intervention group participants from a 10-week online intervention with complete weekly data (n = 724). Outcomes (cups of FV per day and minutes of PA per week) and goals for both behaviors were reported online each week. Weekly differences between goals and behaviors were calculated, as well as the proportion meeting individual goals and meeting recommendations for behaviors.ResultsThere were significant (P < .05) effects of goal setting on both behaviors and of goal group (tertile of meeting weekly goals) on behavior, as well as meeting recommendations for both behaviors. There was an increase in FV consumption (P < .001) but no change in PA over time.Conclusions and ImplicationsGoal setting as part of a Web-based intervention for college students was effective, but results differed for FV and PA. Goal setting for maintaining behavior may need to differ from goal setting for changing behavior.     

The Minimum Data Set Agitated and Reactive Behavior Scale: Measuring Behaviors in Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

ObjectivesInterventions aimed at managing agitated and aggressive behaviors in dementia without the use of antipsychotics are currently being tested in nursing homes (NHs). Researchers and clinicians require a measure that can capture the severity of residents’ behaviors. We test the internal consistency and construct validity of the Agitated and Reactive Behavior Scale (ARBS), a measure created using data from mandatory NH assessments.DesignCross-sectional.Setting and ParticipantsThe 2016 national sample of 15,326 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-certified NHs. The analytic sample included 489,854 new admissions and 765,367 long-stay residents (at least 90 days in NH). All participants have a dementia diagnosis.MethodsMinimum Data Set (MDS), version 3.0. The ARBS is a composite measure of (1) physical behavioral symptoms directed at other people; (2) verbal behavioral symptoms directed at other people; (3) other behavioral symptoms not directed at other people; and (4) rejection of care. Variables used to establish construct validity included degree of cognitive impairment, use of medications for managing agitation and aggression, and co-occurring conditions associated with agitated and aggressive behaviors (eg, schizophrenia, depression, or delirium).ResultsThis report has 3 important findings: (1) the ARBS score has borderline-adequate internal consistency (α = .64-.71) in the national population NH residents with dementia; (2) only 18% of new admissions and 21% of long-stay residents with dementia evidence any agitated or aggressive behaviors in the last week, as rated in the MDS assessment; and (3) the ARBS demonstrates good construct validity; it increases with cognitive impairment, treatment with relevant medications, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions and symptoms.DiscussionNationally available MDS data may significantly underestimate the prevalence of agitated and aggressive behaviors among NH residents with dementia.Conclusions and ImplicationsResearchers conducting pragmatic trials of non-pharmaceutical interventions to manage behaviors in NH residents with dementia should consider the likely underdetection of these behaviors in the available MDS data.     

Trial of an urban adolescent sexual risk-reduction intervention for rural youth: a promising but imperfect fit

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Focus on Kids (FOK), a sexual risk reduction intervention, shown to be effective among urban, African-American adolescents living in communities with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, in reducing sexual risk behaviors among rural, white adolescents living in communities with low rates of sexually transmitted diseases. The subjects were 1,131 youth ages 12 to 16 years from 12 rural counties in West Virginia.MethodThe study was a randomized, controlled, longitudinal trial of a theory-based prevention intervention. Outcomes included self-reported sexual behaviors and perceptions assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months after intervention.ResultsAt baseline, 21% of youth were sexually experienced; 80% reported using a condom at last episode of intercourse. Rates of behaviors did not differ based on intervention assignment (FOK vs control group) after adjusting for baseline differences at any follow-up period among the full cohort or among the subset of youth who completed the intervention curriculum to which they were assigned. Perceptions of risk and protective behaviors were positively influenced by FOK at 3, 6, and 9 months in a fashion consistent with the guiding model of behavioral change and the FOK curriculum.ConclusionsConsistent with previous studies of FOK in high-risk urban areas, some perceptions were positively altered by FOK in these rural areas, although many of these changes did not persist through 9 months of follow-up. In contrast to previous studies, self-reported sexual risk behaviors did not decrease among FOK youth. FOK was not associated with any increases in sexual risk behaviors.     

The Effects of Humor Therapy on Nursing Home Residents Measured Using Observational Methods: The SMILE Cluster Randomized Trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of humor therapy assessed using observational methods on agitation, engagement, positive behaviors, affect, and contentment.DesignSingle-blind cluster randomized controlled trial.SettingA total of 35 Sydney nursing homes.ParticipantsAll eligible residents within geographically defined areas within each nursing home were invited to participate.InterventionProfessional “ElderClowns” provided 9 to 12 weekly humor therapy sessions, augmented by resident engagement by trained staff “LaughterBosses.” Controls received usual care.MeasurementsThe Behavior Engagement Affect Measure (BEAM) touchpad observational tool was used to capture real-time behavioral data. The tool assesses the duration in seconds of agitation, positive behavior toward others, engagement, and affect (angry, anxious, happy, neutral, sad).ResultsSeventeen nursing homes (189 residents) received the intervention and 18 homes (209 residents) received usual care. Over 26 weeks, in comparison with controls, the humor therapy group decreased in duration of high agitation (effect size = 0.168 and 0.129 at 13 and 26 weeks, respectively) and increased in duration of happiness (effect size = 0.4 and 0.236 at 13 and 26 weeks, respectively).ConclusionWe confirmed that humor therapy decreases agitation and also showed that it increases happiness. Researchers may consider evaluating impacts of nonpharmaceutical interventions on positive outcomes. Computer-assisted observational measures should be considered, particularly for residents with dementia and when the reliability of staff is uncertain.     

Group triple P and child unintentional injury risk: a pilot study

Objective: Given the associations between externalizing behaviors and childhood unintentional injuries (CUI), this pilot study evaluated whether an empirically supported behavioral parent training program, Group Triple P, decreased risk for CUI.

Methods: Parents of 19 children ages 2–8 referred by their child’s primary care physician for child externalizing behavior problems completed measures of child injury risk pre- and post-Triple P.

Results: Child injury risk and disruptive behavior problems decreased significantly.

Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that teaching behavior management and parenting skills to parents has the potential to decrease injury risk in their children, despite this not being an explicit target of intervention.     

Computer-Assisted Direct Observation of Behavioral Agitation,Engagement, and Affect in Long-Term Care Residents

ObjectivesThe objectives of the current research were (1) to test and evaluate the investigator-designed Behavior, Engagement, and Affect Measure (BEAM) touchpad direct observational data collection tool, and (2) to implement this tool to investigate residents' patterns of behavioral agitation, engagement, affect, behaviors associated with positive mood, general time-activity use, and social interactions within long-term care.DesignRaters collected cross-sectional observational data and conducted semistructured interviews with participants of the Sydney Multisite Intervention of LaughterBosses and ElderClowns (SMILE) Study. Researchers tested the BEAM's reliability and validity and evaluated the instrument's discriminate validity for sampling resident behaviors.SettingData were collected in 36 long-term care homes. The sample included low-care hostels, high-care nursing homes, and residential facilities offering aging-in-place.ParticipantsParticipants were 406 residents aged 52 to 105 years, with and without dementia.MeasurementsResearchers collected direct observational data using the BEAM and operationalized behavioral domains based largely on concepts from Kitwood's model of person-centered care. Care staff reported on resident behavior using standardized measures of agitation, depression, quality of life, and social engagement.ResultsThe BEAM showed moderate-to-substantial interrater reliability and slight-to-moderate correlations with staff-report data gathered through standardized questionnaire measures. Observations showed that residents spent the greatest amount of time stationary and expressing little emotion, although actively engaged with their environment. Residents were observed to be coping adequately and experiencing a positive social and/or positive care interaction in approximately half of observations; however, close to a third of ratings identified “ill-being.” Residents showed more positive behavior, appeared happier and less anxious, and exhibited higher “well-being” during structured activity than during free time or meals.ConclusionThe BEAM is a reliable and valid observational tool for measuring behavior in long-term care. Long-term care residents expressed little emotion and experienced limited positive social interaction in their daily routine. Increased provision of structured activities may increase resident experiences of positive behavior, affect, and well-being.     

Reducing restraint use in a public psychiatric inpatient service

The use of behavioral restraint in psychiatric inpatients can have physically and emotionally damaging effects. However, staff may view the use of restraint as a routine and acceptable means of maintaining safety. The goal of this project was to reduce the use of restraint in a public psychiatric inpatient service that serves an economically disadvantaged urban population. Six interventions that primarily involved changing staff behavior were made to reduce the use of restraint. These included better identification of restraint—prone patients, a stress/anger management group for patients, staff training on crisis intervention, development of a crisis response team, daily review of all restraints, and an incentive system for the staff. The rate of restraint use (number of restraints/1000 patient-days) during the 3 years before the interventions was compared with the rate during the 2 years after the interventions. There was a significant decrease in the rate of restraint use after the restraint reduction initiatives were implemented. The reduction was not accompanied by a sustained increase in incidents of assault, suicidal behavior, or self-injury.     

Effectiveness of HIV Interventions Among Women Drug Users

SUMMARY

A prospective cohort study was conducted among chronic injecting and crack cocaine drug using women. The hypothesis tested was that participation in a standard-plus-innovative intervention was more likely to produce behavior change than participation in a standard intervention. Standardized intervention protocols and corresponding instruments were designed. Data were collected on drug and sex risk behaviors at baseline and six-month follow-up intervals. The level of behavioral change in two intervention arms—standard and a standard-plus-innovative intervention—was measured by composite sex risk and drug risk scores using the generalized estimating equation approach. The results show that on four risk measures the enhanced intervention was significantly associated with positive change in both drug use and sexual behavior: less frequent drug use, less drug use during sex, and more frequent condom use during particular frequencies for specific types of sexual activities. Public health interventions are effective when targeting specific risk behaviors through interventions tailored to prevent HIV and reduce risk behaviors among specific cultural and gender groups.