Effective approaches to reducing adolescent unprotected sex, pregnancy, and childbearing - Statistical Data Included

Journal of Sex Research, Feb, 2002 by Douglas Kirby

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Sex and HIV education programs, clinic protocols, and service learning programs are complementary: The first two groups of programs focus upon the sexual antecedents of sexual risk-taking (e.g., the sexual beliefs, attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy related to sexual behaviors) in different settings and in different formats (group sessions vs. one-on-one), while service learning programs address nonsexual antecedents (such as connections to adults or belief in the future). The CAS-Carrera programs combined multiple components, addressed both sexual and nonsexual antecedents, and had a greater impact. Thus, it seems likely that programs that address both sexual and nonsexual antecedents effectively will be more effective than those programs that address only one group of antecedents.

This does not mean, however, that all youth should participate in intensive programs that address both groups of antecedents. After all, some youth may have all the needed knowledge and skills regarding contraception but may simply lack the motivation to avoid pregnancy, while others may lack the knowledge, attitudes, or skills but have connections with adults, a belief in the future, and the motivation to avoid pregnancy. Thus, for different groups of youth, it is important to determine the reasons for their sexual risk-taking and to then select the proper program.

In sum, it is very encouraging that there are now four different and somewhat complimentary types of programs for adolescents with rather strong evidence that they effectively reduce either unprotected sex that place youth at risk of pregnancy or STD/HIV, or that they reduce actual pregnancy.

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