Can Technology Decrease Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Young People? The Results of a Study Examining the Effectiveness of a Mobile Application Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors among College Students

Background: The cost of STIs to the United States healthcare system is estimated to be as much as $16 billion annually. Young adults are at risk for STIs for a number of reasons, including having multiple sexual partners, selection of high risk sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and lack of perceived risk for contracting sexually transmitted infection (STIs). The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy and acceptability of a brief, novel, theory-driven, mobile application intervention designed to decrease sexual risk behaviors (lack of condom use, lack of birth control use, lack of communication with sexual partners, engaging in concurrent sexual activity with multiple sex partners, and engaging in sexual activity under the influence of alcohol) among young college students.

Methods: One hundred eighteen college students completed all (pre-test, intervention, and post-test) aspects of the study. All data and program activities were collected/completed using a mobile application intervention.

Results: At post-test 96% of participants showed an increase in contraceptive use knowledge (p= .000). Attitudes toward contraceptive use significantly shifted in a positive direction from pre-to post-test as well (p= .000). Participants did not show a statistically significant change in intention to reduce sexual risk behaviors or actual risk reduction.

Conclusions: The findings provide guidance for fostering protective behaviors for sexually active college students. Institutions seeking to implement similar programs may consider developing mobile application prevention interventions for college students using theoretical principles and input from intervention recipients.