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.
Who can participate
Age range
14 Years – 19 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
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.
Timeframe: 3, 6 and 9 months
2
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.