The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63560

Dennis McBride, PhD, Curt Malloy, MPH, Philip Noyes, MPH, MA, and Morgan Wear. The Washington Institute, University of Washington, 9601 Steilacoom Boulevard S.W., Tacoma, WA 98498, 253-756-2335, dmcb@u.washington.edu

Despite the continuing decline in births to teens, unintended teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases continue to be significant public health issues in the United States. Reducing these rates in program settings has met with mixed results and rarely have successful program elements been integrated. To meet these challenges, a “multi-tiered” teen pregnancy prevention model has been developed in Washington State. The model draws on seven years of evaluation research on teenage pregnancy prevention programs in the state. Key components of successful programs are incorporated in addressing the varying needs of youth by offering services that are tailored to the youth’s risk level. Multiple factors related to teen pregnancy are addressed allowing for the determination of services relative to that risk. The hierarchal system of this model aims to meet the needs of a youth population that, even within a single location, may contain broad relative diversity. This paper outlines three interrelated tiers of pregnancy prevention services for teens. The first tier offers a broad-based education curriculum that usually contains a multi-media approach, sensitizing youth and the community to the risks of early sexual activity. For youth who demonstrate higher risk levels, the second and third tiers offer progressively more intensive program components. The model is intended as a comprehensive framework for teen pregnancy prevention for communities. The most recent evaluation findings on the multi-tiered model implemented across seven community sites in Washington State are reported.

Learning Objectives:

• At the completion of this presentation participants will be able to define the components of the multi-tiered model and discuss the preliminary findings for the Washington State evaluation.

Keywords: Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.