Improving Interdisciplinary Professionals’ Capacity to Motivate Adolescent Behavior Change

Nearly 75% of adolescent morbidity and mortality is a result of risky behaviors. In this study we aimed to determine the effectiveness of an adolescent-focused motivational interviewing training in improving health professionals’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in risk reduction counseling with adolescents. Paired t-tests and Spearman’s correlation coefficients for pre- and posttraining showed significant improvements in knowledge, skills, and confidence, with P < .05. Slightly positive correlations between intention and use of strategies at 1 and 3 months posttraining were noted. The findings show that there was an improvement in health professionals’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in counseling adolescents on risky behaviors. •We determined the effectiveness of adolescent-focused motivational interviewing training•We examined changes in knowledge, skills, and confidence of health care professionals in using motivational interviewing strategies•We examined continued use of motivational interviewing strategies over time•Adolescent-focused training improved health professional practice in the short term