In this Section |
181351 Addressing Challenges in the Development of HIV, STI, and Pregnancy Prevention Programs for Middle School StudentsWednesday, October 29, 2008: 12:30 PM
Background: School-based sexual education programs provide an efficient means of preventing risk behaviors that lead to unintended pregnancy/STI/HIV infection. However, development of programs for middle school youth presents several challenges, including the heterogeneity of students' physical and social development, and community sensitivities regarding sexual education at this age. Innovative strategies are required to ensure that sexual education programs are developmentally appropriate and obtain optimal community support.
Methods: Intervention Mapping (IM) provides a methodological approach to program development that integrates theoretical and empirical evidence with community input. IM was used to incorporate qualitative data from middle school students (n=64) and parents (n=58) on dating and sexual behavior with theoretical and empirical evidence to develop a classroom curriculum and interactive computer-based intervention. Results: The curriculum addresses peer norms, attitudes, self-efficacy, refusal and communication skills related to healthy relationships, dating, and sexual behavior. The computer-based activities tailor information to the individual's gender, and sexual intentions or behavior. Ongoing input from a Community Advisory Board, comprising school personnel, parents, pediatricians, health educators, faith-based representatives, and youth social service providers, and a Youth Advisory Board ensured that curriculum content was age-appropriate and sensitive to community needs. School district-level collaboration provided critical support for program development. Conclusions: A systematic framework (IM) facilitated early and sustained community and school district collaboration that are imperative for gaining support and ensuring that programs addressed local sensitivities; and provided a basis for tailoring activities to provide salient educational strategies to address the diverse student needs in a classroom setting.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an assistant professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences and have expertise in the development of health promotion interventions that are based on empirical and theoretical research.I helped to oversee the development of the "It's Your Game...Keep it Real" program. I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation. |
 |
|
 |