Schoolwide effects of a multicomponent HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention program for high school students

Health Educ Behav. 2001 Apr;28(2):166-85. doi: 10.1177/109019810102800204.

Abstract

Few studies have tested schoolwide interventions to reduce sexual risk behavior, and none have demonstrated significant schoolwide effects. This study evaluates the schoolwide effects of Safer Choices, a multicomponent, behavioral theory-based HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention program, on risk behavior, school climate, and psychosocial variables. Twenty urban high schools were randomized, and cross-sectional samples of classes were surveyed at baseline, the end of intervention (19 months after baseline), and 31 months afterbaseline. At 19 months, the program had a positive effect on the frequency of sex without a condom. At 31 months, students in Safer Choices schools reported having sexual intercourse without a condom with fewer partners. The program positively affected psychosocial variables and school climate for HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention. The program did not influence the prevalence of recent sexual intercourse. Schoolwide changes in condomuse demonstrated that aschool-based program can reduce the sexual risk behavior of adolescents.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • California
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control
  • Program Evaluation
  • Risk-Taking
  • Safe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Texas