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Science-Based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention. Susan E. Washinger, M.Ed. Project Coordinator, SBP. Participant poll: (Please choose the best response). I am attending this presentation because: I want to be able to assess programs to determine if they are science-based
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Science-Based Approaches toTeen Pregnancy Prevention Susan E. Washinger, M.Ed. Project Coordinator, SBP
Participant poll:(Please choose the best response) I am attending this presentation because: • I want to be able to assess programs to determine if they are science-based • I want to know which science-based programs will reduce teen pregnancy among teen males • I want to know which science-based programs will reduce repeat teen pregnancies • I want to promote the use of science-based approaches to prevent teen pregnancy • I want to improve my teen pregnancy prevention program
Science-Based Approaches (SBA) Project 5-year Cooperative Agreement with CDC, 3 national partners and 9 states to increase the capacity of local organizations to select, implement, and evaluate science-based approaches to prevent teen pregnancy, STIs and HIV/AIDS
What are SBAs? • Using SBAs simply means relying on that which has been proven to work. • SBAs include techniques, characteristics, activities, and programs for which there is evidence of effectiveness.
Participant poll:(Please choose the best response) To claim a program “science-based” it should include which of the following evaluation criteria: A. A control group and an experimental group B. Demonstration of knowledge, attitude and behavior change C. Results published in a peer-reviewed journal D. Similar evaluation results in multiple program locations E. All of the above
Science-Based Program (SBP) Evaluation Criteria • Experimental or quasi-experimental design • Had adequate sample size • Collected data at least 3 months after intervention • Replicated in different location with similar results • Results published in a peer-reviewed journal • Measured knowledge, attitude and behavior change
SBP Behavior Change At least one of the following: • Delayed sexual initiation • Reduced frequency of sexual intercourse • Reduced number of sexual partners • Increased use of condoms/contraceptives
Program Lists • Advocates for Youth: Science and Success • www.advocatesforyouth.org • National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: What Works • www.teenpregnancy.org • Program Archive on Sexuality, Health & Adolscence (PASHA) • www.socio.com/pasha.htm
Promising Programs • Dr. Doug Kirby’s 17 Characteristics of Effective Programs • www.etr.org/recapp
Current trends … teen males • % of teen males who have had sexual intercourse has decreased • Rates of condom use have increased • Teen fathers more likely: • economically disadvantaged • have lower academic performance • more problem behaviors • have a mom who was a teen parent • Young adult men who have sex with significantly younger women (6 years +) are far less likely to use contraception
Participant poll:(Please choose true or false) My program currently provides boys-only programs to prevent teen pregnancy?
Characteristics of programs that work … teen males Limitations of the research on “boys-only” programs: • Relatively new to prevention efforts • Few have been rigorously evaluated • Few have shown behavior change
Characteristics of programs that work … teen males • Co-educational school-based programs have shown positive changes in the sexual and contraceptive behavior of teen boys. These programs: • Go beyond the classroom • Include a cultural component • Extend across school years • Review of program lists
Implications for programs … teen males • Make programs more male-friendly • Go where the boys are • Help parents talk to boys • Tailor programs • Be positive rather than punitive
Current trends … repeat teen pregnancies • 21% of all teen births are to teens who are already moms • Contributing factors: • Age • Race/ethnicity • Marital status • Education • Intendedness
Participant poll:(Please choose true or false) My program currently provides programs to reduce repeat teen pregnancies?
Characteristics of programs that work … repeat teen pregnancies Limitations of the research: • Only three (3) studies using experimental design showed positive effects • 2 home visitation programs • 1 program in medical setting
Characteristics of programs that work … repeat teen pregnancies • Significant factors: • The strength of the relationship between the teen and provider • On-the-job training is not sufficient for providers • Long-term involvement is important (starting during pregnancy)
Implications for programs … repeat teen pregnancies • Develop close and sustained relationships • Employ skilled personnel • Use appropriate family planning techniques • Support teen moms to finish school
For more information … • The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy – “What Works” • www.teenpregnancy.org • “It’s a Guy Thing” • “Another Chance”
Potential Impact More science-based programs = More teens participate in programs that work = Less teen pregnancies; less teen STI
Contacting Susan E. Washinger, M.Ed. Project Coordinator, SBP 3461 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011-4412 (717) 761-7380 ext. 3101 swashinger@fhccp.org