Computer-Assisted Motivational Intervention (CAMI)
Model effectiveness research report last updated: 2012
Model overview
Theoretical approach
A variety of strategies have been explored to reduce repeat childbearing among adolescent girls, but the results have been modest. The Computer-Assisted Motivational Intervention (CAMI) was based on the premise that the limited success of previous programs might have been due to the lack of attention paid to teens’ level of motivation and ambivalence towards changing their contraceptive behaviors. CAMI was designed to delay repeat childbearing among adolescent girls by increasing the use of contraceptives.
Model services
CAMI provided quarterly home visits during which the participants completed a computer-based survey about their sexual relationships, contraceptive intentions and plans, and current pregnancy prevention practices such as condom use. An algorithm assessed the participant’s risk for repeat pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and readiness to use contraception and/or condoms. A CAMI counselor used these algorithm results to conduct a 20 to 30 minute tailored, motivational interview with the participant. During the interview, the teen participant and her counselor discussed how the teen’s goals and actions aligned and the counselor encouraged the participant to change her behavior.
No information was available about the curriculum used.
Intended population
CAMI enrolled pregnant and parenting African American adolescents between ages 12 and 18.
Where to find out more
Beth Barnet, MD
University of Maryland
Family Medicine
29 S. Paca St., Lower Level
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: bbarnet@som.umaryland.edu
Effects shown in research
Maternal health
Findings rated high
Show findings details
Outcome measure | Effect | Follow-up timing | Sample | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Repeat birth | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
24 months postpartum | CAMI vs. control | 148 mothers | % = 17.00 | % = 25.00 | = -0.08 | HomVEE calculated = -0.29 | Not statistically significant, p=0.08 |
Show findings details
Outcome measure | Effect | Follow-up timing | Sample | Sample size | Intervention group | Comparison group | Group difference | Effect size | Statistical significance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Repeat birth | FavorableUnfavorable or ambiguousNo Effect |
24 months postpartum | CAMI+ vs. control | 148 mothers | % = 14.00 | % = 25.00 | = -0.11 | HomVEE calculated = -0.44 | Statistically significant, p=0.01 |
In brief
Evidence of model effectiveness
Title | General population | Tribal population | Domains with favorable effects |
---|---|---|---|
Computer-Assisted Motivational Intervention (CAMI) | Does not meet HHS criteria because the findings from high- or moderate-rated effectiveness studies of the model do not meet all required criteria. | Does not meet HHS criteria for tribal population because the model has not been evaluated with a tribal population. |
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CAMI+ | Does not meet HHS criteria because the findings from high- or moderate-rated effectiveness studies of the model do not meet all required criteria. | Does not meet HHS criteria for tribal population because the model has not been evaluated with a tribal population. |
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Model description
The Computer-Assisted Motivational Intervention (CAMI) was designed to delay repeat childbearing among adolescent girls by motivating them to change their contraceptive behaviors. During home visits, adolescents completed a computer-based survey assessing their sexual relationships, contraceptive intentions and plans, and current pregnancy prevention practices. An algorithm assessed the participant’s risk for repeat pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and readiness to use contraception and/or condoms. Following the survey, CAMI counselors conducted a 20- to 30-minute motivational interview in which they discussed how the teen’s goals and actions aligned, and encouraged the adolescent to change her behavior. Home visits lasted about one hour and were conducted once per quarter over a two-year period.
This report also includes a review of an enhancement to CAMI, called CAMI+. In addition to the standard program, CAMI+ provided participants with biweekly or monthly home-based parent training and case management services. The 16-module curriculum, designed specifically for African American adolescent mothers, covered topics such as child development and discipline. The home visits were initiated prenatally at about 32 weeks gestation.
Extent of evidence
For more information, see the research database. For more information on the criteria used to rate research, please see details of HomVEE’s methods and standards.