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: A. I want to be able to assess programs to determine if they are science-based B. I want to know which science-based programs will reduce teen pregnancy among teen males C. I want to know which science-based programs will reduce repeat teen pregnancies D. I want to promote the use of science-based approaches to prevent teen pregnancy E. 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  National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: What Works  Program Archive on Sexuality, Health & Adolscence (PASHA) 

Promising Programs Dr. Doug Kirby’s 17 Characteristics of Effective Programs 

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”  “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 (717) ext