Table 1.
Aims and outcomes of Young People’s Development Programme
| Aim | Outcome at follow-up 1 | Outcome at follow-up 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced conceptions; reduced sexually transmitted infections | Heterosexual sex; two or more sexual partners in previous 6 months; condom use less than half the time in previous 6 months; difficulty suggesting condom use to partner | Heterosexual sex; two or more sexual partners in previous 3 months; condom use less than half the time in previous 6 months; post-baseline pregnancy (young women) and causing pregnancy (young men) |
| Reduced illegal drug use | Weekly or more frequent cannabis use in previous 6 months | Weekly or more frequent cannabis use in previous 3 months |
| Reduced alcohol consumption | Monthly or more frequent drunkenness in previous 6 months | Monthly or more frequent drunkenness in previous 3 months |
| Improved mental health and self esteem | Often worried about things in previous few weeks; often angry/lost temper in previous few weeks; ease discussing personal things with close friend | Often worried about things in previous few weeks; low self esteem (adapted Rosenberg scale); ease discussing personal things with close friend |
| Reduced school exclusions | Temporary school exclusion in previous 6 months | Temporary school exclusion in previous 3 months |
| Reduced school absenteeism | Truancy in previous 6 months | Truancy in previous 3 months |
| Improved educational attainment | Dislike of school | None |
| Increased post-16 participation in education, employment, and training; increased preparedness/aspirations for adult life | Expects to be parent by age 20; does not expect to be in steady job by age 20 | Currently in education, employment, or training |
| Reduced offending/convictions | Contact with police (stopped, told off, picked up) in previous 6 months | Contact with police (stopped, told off, picked up) in previous 6 months; official warnings or convictions in previous 6 months |
Measures generally focused on standard three month periods at follow-up 2 but six month periods at follow-up 1 to allow more sensitivity to risk behaviours among younger participants.