Use of science-based approaches: Results from the Illinois Adolescent Sexual Health Needs Assessment

Background: Research suggests that science-based adolescent sexual health approaches, including the use of behavioral theory for intervention development and evaluation, have been successful in preventing teen pregnancy. In 2000, the teen pregnancy rate in Illinois was 87 per 1,000 compared to 84 nationwide. Purpose: To identify the extent to which science-based approaches to adolescent sexual health programs were used by organizations in Illinois as well as to assess the needs related to adoption and implementation of science-based approaches in Illinois. Methods: Health Care Education and Training, Inc. (HCET) and the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH) worked collaboratively to develop an online Illinois Adolescent Sexual Health Needs Assessment. Three hundred and fifty-three organizations in Illinois were invited to complete the online assessment. Results: Thirty-one percent of the invited organizations completed the assessment (n = 111); 59% identified as health departments, 23% as community-based organizations, 5% as family planning clinics, and 23% as other. The majority of the organizations served at-risk and low-income youth in rural communities. Nearly 40% considered their programs to be science-based, 14% did not consider their program to be science-based, and the rest were unsure. Only 27% reported evaluating their programs annually, yet 33% had used a logic model for evaluation. Twenty-eight percent of the organizations were not familiar with science-based programs. However, 61% percent of the organizations reported they would like information on programs that have been effective in preventing HIV, STIs, and adolescent pregnancy.