Rikers Health Advocacy Program (RHAP) - INACTIVE

Inactive Reason
This program is inactive because it has evidence of favorable impacts that is more than 20 years old. It no longer meets the inclusion criteria for the TPPER.
Developers

Stephen Magura, Ph.D.

 
Program Summary
Rikers Health Advocacy Program (RHAP) is an HIV-prevention program designed to produce problem-solving skills among high-risk institutionalized youth. The program is delivered in four 1-hour sessions and features a "Problem-Solving Therapy" approach that focuses on problem orientation, defining and formulating a problem, generating alternative solutions, decision-making, and implementing a solution.
Intended Population
The program was designed for high-risk teens, particularly drug users and youth in correctional facilities. It was evaluated with incarcerated, inner-city adolescent males, ages 16 to 18.
Program Setting

The program was designed for high-risk youth in an institutionalized setting. The program was evaluated in a reception and detention facility.

Contact and Availability Information

Sociometrics Corporation
1580 W. El Camino Real, Suite 8
Mountain View, CA 94040
Ph: 650-949-3282
Email: socio@socio.com

See above

Sample of curriculum available for review prior to purchase
No
Adaptation guidelines or kit available
No
Languages available
English
Program Core Components
Program Objectives
RHAP seeks to prevent HIV/AIDS among high-risk teens by engaging participants in sharing and discussing facts and beliefs about HIV/AIDS and improving problem-solving skills.
Program Content
Key topics covered during the program sessions are:
  • General health
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Drug abuse and its consequences
  • Sexual behavior, health, and HIV/AIDS-risk behaviors
  • Strategies for seeking health and social services
  • Identification of and reflection on high-risk attitudes and behaviors
Program Methods
The program is delivered through small group sessions that emphasize active learning, group discussion, and role play.
Program Structure and Timeline
RHAP is delivered through four 1-hour sessions, held twice a week over two weeks. Groups should ideally consist of six participants.
Staffing
One group facilitator is required for each group of up to eight same-sex participants. The leader should be the same sex as the participants.
Program Materials and Resources

The following program materials are available through the distributor: 

  • RHAP User's Guide
  • Protocol Handbook
  • Newsletter reprint from March 2003 (Transitions)
  • Fidelity toolkit
  • Prevention Minimum Evaluation Data Set (PMEDS)
  • Local Evaluator Consultant Network Directory
  • Original Evaluation Instruments

While a free sample curriculum is not available, providers may purchase an automatic digital download of the user’s guide to review program components, core competencies for facilitators, and scientific evidence of effectiveness. If providers decide to purchase the program, the price of the download is deducted.

Additional Needs for Implementation
Implementers will need a photocopier. All other materials are included in the program package.
Fidelity
RHAP has a fidelity toolkit/checklist and tools for monitoring program implementation. These may be accessed on the Sociometrics website: https://www.socio.com/products/pasha-rikers-health-advocacy-program-rhap
Staff Training
There is no required training for this program. However, Sociometrics offers training for facilitator and technical assistance providers to interested providers either in person or through online webinars. The types and cost of training vary depending on the number of participants, location, length of training, and specific needs of the organization. At a minimum, a thorough review of the RHAP curriculum and strategies for facilitating group discussion is recommended.
Technical Assistance and Ongoing Support
Sociometrics provides telephone technical support on implementation and evaluation for one year with purchase of the program materials.
Allowable Adaptations
Adaptations such as implementation of the program with girls and young women are allowed, but all adaptations are by consultation only and must be approved by the developer and Sociometrics.
Reviewed Studies
Citation High-Quality Randomized Trial Moderate-Quality Randomized Trial Moderate-Quality Quasi-experiment Low Study Rating Did Not Meet Eligibility Criteria

Magura et al. 1994

Study Characteristics
Citation Setting Majority Age Group Majority Racial/Ethnic Group Gender Sample Size

Magura et al. 1994

Specialized setting 14 to 17 African American or Black Young men

157

Study Findings

Evidence by Outcome Domain and Study

Citation Sexual Activity Number of Sexual Partners Contraceptive Use STIs or HIV Pregnancy

Magura et al. 1994

Indeterminate evidence Indeterminate evidence Potentially favorable evidence n.a. n.a.
Detailed Findings
Citation Details

Magura et al. 1994

Notes

Some study entries may include more than one citation because each citation examines a different follow-up period from the same study sample, or because each citation examines a different set of outcome measures on the same study sample. A blank cell indicates the study did not examine any outcome measures within the particular outcome domain or the findings for the outcome measures within that domain did not meet the review evidence standards.

Information on evidence of effectiveness is available only for studies that received a high or moderate rating. Read the description of the review process for more information on how these programs are identified.