Evaluation of the Riverside Prison Project, A Sexuality Education Program for Women & Teens Developed by Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania (PPSP)

Background: This evaluation focused on methods used and outcomes derived from a 12-month pilot of a six-week sexuality education curriculum including reproductive anatomy, STI and HIV prevention, self-esteem, and life-skills for women and girls between 20-35 years of age housed at Riverside Correctional Facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2007-08. More than half of the facility's population served by PPSP are HIV+, and suffer disproportionately from Hepatitis B, unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse, and intimate-partner violence. The rate of abnormal Pap smears among this population is more than twice that reported among all PPSP patients. African Americans comprise 76% of this population, while 19% are Caucasian, and 5% Hispanic. Purpose: In addition to providing one-on-one social services and support, the program aims to: enhance participants' knowledge of reproductive anatomy, HIV prevention, and negotiation skills; and increase access to and utilization of behavioral health services. Methods: Classes of at least 90 minutes delivered through small-group format were limited to 20 participants. One teen and two adult courses were offered at any one time, followed by a month-long break preceding initiation of a new course. Each course and month-long break constituted one-cycle for a total of five. Pre- and post-test course assessments at their initiation and conclusion appraised knowledge attainment. Results: 125 women and teenage girls participated, while 70 received one-on-one support and gained access to community-based social services. Discussion: Participants measurably improved their knowledge of reproductive anatomy, HIV prevention, and negotiation skills; and increased their ability by accessing and utilizing behavioral health services.