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HCET Home > On-line Training > What Works in Adolescent Sexual Health Programs > 4. Components & Integration of a Science-Based Approach > Selecting, Adapting and Implementing
Selecting, Adapting and Implementing
If appropriate (and applicable), select and implement a science-based program or curriculum. There are many programs and curricula available for youth and health administrators to purchase or replicate. How do you choose which one is best for your youth? How do you know which ones are truly effective? Whenever possible, instead of creating your own program it is best to use programs that have already been proven effective in changing risk-taking behavior. These programs that have been proven successful have used a science-based approach to curricula or program design and have been evaluated professionally. These effective programs are known as “science-based” or “evidence-based” programs and curricula. A science-based program is one that research shows has been effective in changing sexual risk-taking behaviors which result in teen pregnancy, STI, and HIV infection. Science-based programs must fit three criteria [13]:- They change behavior such as delaying the onset of sexual activity, using condoms or contraception, reducing the frequency of sex, and reducing the number of sexual partners
- They have been published in a peer-reviewed journal
- They have been through rigorous evaluation
What does it mean for a program to be rigorously evaluated? [13]
- The program must use an experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation design [26]
- An experimental design is one that uses random assignment in selecting two similar groups. One group will receive the intervention while the other group will not (the control group).
- A quasi-experimental design is one that compares groups that may not be similar and does not involve random assignment in the selection of intervention and control groups.
- An experimental design is considered the “gold standard” of research because by comparing similar groups (one that receives the intervention and one that does not), researchers are able to validate that any change in the group that receives the intervention is most likely a result of that intervention.
- The program must measure knowledge, attitude, and behavior [27]
- Methods of measuring knowledge include having participants list specific things they learned from the program and/or complete a pre and post-test containing questions which aim to show an increase in knowledge.
- Methods of measuring attitude include surveys or discussion at the beginning and end of the program on how participants feel about sexual activity at their age or asking about the level of pressure or intent to engage in sexual activity.
- Methods of measuring behavior include having participants complete a pre and post-test with questions regarding their current sexual behaviors, or if the program is based in a clinic, behavior may be measured by participant responses in clinical interviews.
- The program must have an adequate sample size [7]
- A sample size of at least 500-1,000 participants in the treatment and control groups combined is common among many programs.
- The program must collect follow-up data within 3-18 months following the intervention
- This can be done using a follow-up survey. The survey may be mailed, e-mailed, or conducted by phone depending on the contact information gathered during the program.
- The program must use sound research methods and processes
- The program must have been replicated in a different location(s) and have found similar results
- The results of the program must have been published in a peer-reviewed journal
