Evaluation of Abstinence Only Education Programs: Politics Make Strange Bed Fellows

Federal and state funding has dramatically increased the number of abstinence only education (AOE) programs, yet rigorous evaluation of their efficacy lags behind their rapid proliferation. Debate over the best way to help teens avoid or reduce their sexual risk taking behavior has polarized public health, education, and youth serving communities and professionals. This presentation will describe a unique partnership between the University of South Florida, College of Public Health and a community based AOE provider in Florida and present results of a quasi experimental evaluation of WAIT Training with more than 1,000 students between the ages of 12 and 18 in Hillsborough County public schools. The study examined characteristics of students for whom the AO education provided the most and least change in attitude and knowledge. The evaluation examined pre and post training surveys that were linked by a student - constructed identification code. Knowledge and attitudes related to major content areas of the WAIT Training curriculum and risk reduction messages were measured and included how well training objectives were met. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using demographics, social capital, and internal youth assets to determine who benefited most and least from the training. A subsample of study participants will complete a 5 month follow-up web based survey to measure retention of WAIT material and messages, practice and use of the information, and communication with adults and peers about the content. Responses will be linked to student pre and post training surveys and will be reported in the presentation.