Improving Interdisciplinary Professionals’ Capacity to Motivate Adolescent Behavior Change

• 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

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.