An integrated reproductive health service approach to prevent teen pregnancy and sexual risk taking behaviors

In South Carolina, the majority of teen pregnancy prevention programs occur within school settings and do not link teens with the community resources necessary to provide clinical support. The absence of coordination of care among schools and clinics leaves a gap in services for youth who are less likely to interact with the health care system and in need of services. The New Morning Foundation, in collaboration with five high schools in South Carolina, has developed a cohesive reproductive health service approach to prevent sexual risk behaviors and teen pregnancy. This integrated approach uses four main interventions 1) use of an evidence-based sexual health education curriculum; 2) partnerships and supported referrals of students to local reproductive health care clinics; 3) care coordination and/or case management of sexually active or high-risk students; and, 4) special events at the school designed to create a norm about avoiding teen pregnancy. Although data collection is ongoing, initial analysis of the 1,801 students found a statistically significant (p<.001) increase with exposure to multiple intervention components (i.e., evidence-based programs and clinic access) with an increased use of effective contraceptive methods at last intercourse among female students. Further detailed analysis exploring the dose-response relationship will be presented.