Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103915

Eric R. Buhi, MPH¹, Patricia Goodson, PhD², Buzz Pruitt, EdD², Catherine N. Rasberry, MS², and Kelly Wilson, PhD³. (1) Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, 166 Read, College Station, TX 77843-4243, 979-458-0097, buhi@neo.tamu.edu, (2) Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, 158W Read, College Station, TX 77843-4243, (3) Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department, Texas State University, A174 Jowers Center, San Marcos, TX 78666

As funding to promote abstinence-only-until-marriage educational programs increases, valid evaluations of these programs becomes imperative. The current study, part of a multi-phase, multi-method evaluation of Title V-funded abstinence-only programs in Texas, analyzes outcome data from middle school program participants. The non-probability sample consisted of 451 respondents from five programs. Students completed surveys at both pre- and post-intervention times, during 2003-2004. General linear/logistic regression modeling was used to test the relationship between youth's exposure to abstinence-only program activities (i.e., dosage) and their self-reported sexual behavior and scores on 12 mediating variables (e.g., intention to remain abstinent, self-efficacy, perceived norms regarding abstinence). Unadjusted analyses revealed mean scores on 6 of the 12 mediators changed from pre- to post-test (partial Eta squared=.01 to .10, p<.05). After controlling for age and program dosage, only “perceived norms about abstinence” exhibited a positive effect, albeit small (partial Eta squared=.019, p<.005). From pre- to post-test, frequencies for “ever having had sexual intercourse” increased 4.5% (p<.002). Program dosage was not associated with sexual behavior (OR=.995, p<.256). Given the lack of control groups in this evaluation design, such findings have two potential meanings: either 1) abstinence-only programs may be having an effect on participant youth, but dosage levels are not important, or 2) programs are not having a measurable impact on self-reported sexual behaviors. Although findings should be considered with caution due to limitations of the study, they suggest clues that deserve consideration in future evaluations and program planning.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the typical respondent participating in Title V-funded abstinence-only education programs in Texas.
• Identify changes in 12 mediating variables, including intention to remain abstinent, students experienced following participation in abstinence-only education programming.
• Explain changes in sexual behavior that students experienced following participation in abstinence-only education programming.

Keywords: School Health, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.