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. 2001;116(Suppl 1):82–93. doi: 10.1093/phr/116.S1.82

Safer choices: reducing teen pregnancy, HIV, and STDs.

K Coyle 1, K Basen-Engquist 1, D Kirby 1, G Parcel 1, S Banspach 1, J Collins 1, E Baumler 1, S Carvajal 1, R Harrist 1
PMCID: PMC1913682  PMID: 11889277

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of Safer Choices, a theory-based, multi-component educational program designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase protective behaviors in preventing HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy among high school students. METHODS: The study used a randomized controlled trial involving 20 high schools in California and Texas. A cohort of 3869 ninth-grade students was tracked for 31 months from fall semester 1993 (baseline) to spring semester 1996 (31-month follow-up). Data were collected using self-report surveys administered by trained data collectors. Response rate at 31-month follow-up was 79%. RESULTS: Safer Choices had its greatest effect on measures involving condom use. The program reduced the frequency of intercourse without a condom during the three months prior to the survey, reduced the number of sexual partners with whom students had intercourse without a condom, and increased use of condoms and other protection against pregnancy at last intercourse. Safer Choices also improved 7 of 13 psychosocial variables, many related to condom use, but did not have a significant effect upon rates of sexual initiation. CONCLUSIONS: The Safer Choices program was effective in reducing important risk behaviors for HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy and in enhancing most psychosocial determinants of such behavior.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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