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All4You!: A randomized trial of an HIV, other STD, and pregnancy prevention intervention for youth in alternative schools

Karin K Coyle, PhD1, Douglas B Kirby, PhD1, Leah E Robin, PhD2, Stephen W Banspach, PhD2, Elizabeth Baumler, PhD3, and Jill R. Glassman, PhD1. (1) Research Department, ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, 831 438 4060, karinc@etr.org, (2) Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-33, Atlanta, GA 30341, (3) Center for Society and Population Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, Suite E 935, Houston, TX 77030

Background: Alternative school students are at greater risk than students in mainstream high schools for sexual activity and unprotected sex. This study evaluates the effectiveness of All4You!, a curriculum designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among alternative school students. Methods: Twenty four alternative schools in Northern California (N = 988) were randomized to All4You! or a standard care control group. The intervention included a skills-based sexual risk reduction curriculum and community service learning activities. Students completed self report surveys at baseline, and 6, 12, and 18 months after baseline. Seventy-six percent of the students completed at least one follow-up survey. Multilevel regression models were used to analyze the study data. Results: All4You! had a short-term positive impact on several risk behaviors but had no significant behavioral effect after 6 months. At the 6 month follow-up the intervention reduced the frequency of intercourse without a condom during the past 3 months (p = .002), reduced the frequency of sexual intercourse without a condom with steady sexual partners (p = .01), reduced the number of times youth reported having sexual intercourse in the past 3 months (p = .04), and increased condom use at last sexual intercourse (OR = 2.12; p = .006). The intervention also increased knowledge related to HIV and condoms; this increase remained significant at 18-month follow-up. Conclusion: All4You! was effective in reducing selected sexual risk behaviors among alternative school students, thereby reducing their risk for HIV, other STD, and pregnancy; however, the effects were modest and short-term.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Risk Behavior

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.

Reproductive Health of Young People: U.S. and International Viewpoints

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA