The one-year follow-up of a study of eighth graders participating in three varying levels of intervention at 10 NYC middle schools will be presented. Each of the levels is based upon the TEEN CHOICE small group/mental health model but is distinct in the following ways: (1) Abstinence-based, including discussion of, but prohibiting referrals for contraceptive services; (2) Comprehensive sexuality education model including referrals for contraceptive services; (3) Multi-component including youth development activities and access to contraceptive services. The study includes comparison schools that do not offer TEEN CHOICE or another formal pregnancy prevention program. The data presented in 1999, showed promising three-month post-test findings at all intervention levels for self-esteem, empowerment, knowledge, and sex intentions. There were differences among levels in onset of sexual activity, with rates of onset highest among students in the comparison group, followed by the abstinence-based group, and lowest in the comprehensive and multi-component groups. Data from the one-year follow-up, when the 8th graders had moved into high school, will be presented. Data comparing outcomes for students at particular risk, e.g., those who reported at the pretest that they had been sexually abused or were already sexually active, will be presented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the unique components of a small group approach to teenage pregnancy and disease prevention. 2. Compare long-term outcomes for abstinence-based, comprehensive, and multicomponent versions of a small group pregnancy and disease prevention program. 3. Discuss the limitations, difficulties, and importance of conducting long-term, rigorous research around sensitive issues in a large urban and inner city school setting
Keywords: Pregnancy, Evaluation
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.