Andrea Colfer, RN, BSN¹, Katherine K. Kinsey, PhD, RN, FAAN², and Mary Ellen Miller, MSN². (1) Public Health Nursing, La Salle University, 1837 Afton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111, 215-722-5172, ANDcolfer@aol.com, (2) School of Nursing, La Salle Neighborhood Nursing Center, La Salle University, Box 808, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Despite some encouraging trends, nearly one million teens become pregnant each year. In the past decade, an increasing number of teens have been diagnosed with one or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This 2004 MSN-Public Health candidate’s two semester project targets young females at higher risk for pregnancy, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, and long term consequences of early sexual activity. The Sexual Health Abstinence Responsibility Education or SHARE Program emphasizes decision-making, goal setting, and communication skills; educates eighth grade students about STIs, and, promotes protective health behaviors. SHARE encourages open dialogue on issues pertaining to sexual health. SHARE is part of the “Reach For the Stars” abstinence only program funded by DHHS: HRSA: Maternal Child Health Services. Urban youth 10-17 years who attend Philadelphia public schools are eligible for an eight-session program during the school year. Forty young teens at one Philadelphia public elementary school currently participate in SHARE: Reach for the Stars initiative. Key informants, current health data and the graduate student’s expertise in adolescent health education guided project development to be culturally sensitive and responsive to community need. The program utilizes the expertise of an interdisciplinary team of public health nurses, community outreach workers, and school nurses. SHARE utilizes standardized pre/post measures regarding STIs knowledge, effective communication strategies, decision-making, and overall attitudinal change towards acceptance of abstinence by youth. Written and oral evaluation findings are summarized. Escalating school and community interest drive the recommendations for future work as well as the need for ongoing sustainability.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will analyze the implementation of an abstinence-only program targeting young adolesecents.
• The participant will evaluate effectiveness of methods utilize in the S.H.A.R.E. program in helping to educate young teens about abstinence.
• The participant will be able to list three strategies that can be incorporated in an abstinence-only program.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual 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.