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HCET Home > On-line Training > What Works in Adolescent Sexual Health Programs > 2. What Works: Science-Based Approaches to Preventing Adolescent Sexual Risk-Taking Behavior
2. What works: science-based approaches to preventing adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior
Over the last decade, researchers have dissected and analyzed programs and curricula to find those that are effective in preventing teen pregnancy and/or STIs and HIV. Studies show that truly effective programs provide a range of educational opportunities which include: promoting abstinence, contraception and condom use, academic achievement, mentoring, career development, volunteer and civic engagement, and parental involvement [12]. There is also evidence that teaching abstinence and contraception does not increase sexual activity [5]. This module, however, will not describe or promote specific content for adolescent health programs. The module will describe approaches to developing and implementing a program that will be effective in preventing teen pregnancy, HIV, and STIs. Recently, research has found common approaches and characteristics among programs that have been found successful at decreasing sexual risk-taking behavior. Programs that incorporate these approaches and characteristics and have been found to be effective at improving adolescent sexual health outcomes are referred to as “science-based” [13]. In this module, these programs may also be referred to as “evidence-based” or “effective” [14]. A science-based approach to preventing teen pregnancy and STIs has been used in the design, implementation, and adaptation of successful programs aimed at decreasing sexual risk-taking behavior among teens. This approach refers to strategies involved in development and implementation of the program, not only the content. Research has found this approach effective among participants with diverse ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, academic, and environmental backgrounds [15].
