Stages of readiness for changing multiple risk behaviors among incarcerated male adolescents

Objective: To determine the prevalence, age of onset, and motivational readiness to change multiple risk behaviors among juvenile offenders. Methods: One hundred eighty male adolescents were interviewed in a short-term detention center. Results: Nearly 60% of the sample reported engaging in all 5 target behaviors. Earliest risk of onset was for alcohol drinking, followed closely by marijuana use, sexual initiation, and cigarette smoking. With the exception of condom use with other partners, less than 20% of the sample were ready to change their multiple risk behaviors. Conclusion: To be effective, interventions need to be developed that target multiple risk behaviors simultaneously.