Abstinence works. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Yet, we are far from a consensus as to the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs. The evaluation of programs funded under Section 510 of the Title V Block Grant Program will provide evidence on the effectiveness of various abstinence-only education approaches. The evaluation includes two major components-one focused on measuring the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs targeted at specific identifiable groups of youth, and another examining community-wide abstinence education initiatives. For the targeted abstinence-only programs, the study will compare program youth with control youth; both groups will be formed using random selection of eligible youth. For the community abstinence initiatives, the study will examine strategies for building community coalitions, as well as examine changes over time in community norms, messages, and behaviors. For both study components, complementary qualitative research will document the program interventions and how they are expected to influence behavior, the contextual influences affecting local programs and their impacts, and the conditions and strategies necessary for replication of effective programs.
Learning Objectives: (1) to document the underlying theories of selected abstinence education strategies; (2) to determine the effects of these strategies on attitudes and behaviors; and (3) to examine strategies for creating systemic change in communities
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.