Evaluation of a sexual risk avoidance education program on teen pregnancy prevention in low-income, minority populations in New York

Background: Teen pregnancy prevention is a priority public health issue because of the economic and social costs to teens, their families, and society as a whole.

Objectives: To examine a school-based health program aimed at reducing teen pregnancy, STDs, and increasing skills to negotiate risk avoidance and resist pressure to engage in sex among mid/high school adolescents in low-income, minority populations.

Methods: The intervention was based on five cycles of the Healthy Respect Youth Development Program- delivered in five urban area high schools and seven middle schools over the course of 5 semesters between 2006 and 2008 in NY. Twenty lessons were structured at each grade level; instructors implemented them following pre-approved lesson plans. 1,158 students were surveyed at pretest (intervention group= 852; comparison group= 306). This analysis is based on 564 matched records for the intervention group and 176 for the comparison group.

Results: There was an increase in intervention students correctly answering questions related to preventing HIV, STDs or pregnancy and who are aware that abstinence is the only certain way to prevent pregnancy and STDs (p<0.0001). Intervention group students became more positive in their attitudes toward the concept that teen sex may lead to negative outcomes such as psychological or physical effects. Also, there was a significant increase in intervention students reporting that their friends confirm the norms that sexual intercourse should wait until they are in a mutually exclusive relationship.

Conclusions: The school-based health educational program increases knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward risk avoidance and promotes pregnancy avoidance behaviors among adolescents.