Sarah Walsh1, Eric Jenner2, Rebekah Leger2, Marsha Broussard3. 1. The Policy & Research Group, New Orleans, LA, USA. sarah@policyandresearch.com. 2. The Policy & Research Group, New Orleans, LA, USA. 3. Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To identify social cognitive outcomes relevant to a specific adolescent sexual risk reduction intervention, and to examine the program's impact on these. METHODS: A randomized control trial involving 763 adolescents (recruited during 2012-2014) who were randomly assigned to either an 8-session general health intervention (control) or an 8-session sexual risk reduction intervention (treatment). Seven social cognitive outcomes were identified and assessed post-program using ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS: Post-program, the treatment group exhibited greater knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions related to safer sex practices. No differences in attitudes toward abstinence, peer norms, or perceived vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: Results are promising, though insignificant results may diminish the program's behavioral impact. More research is needed to determine the extent to which outcomes are related to short and long term risk behaviors.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: To identify social cognitive outcomes relevant to a specific adolescent sexual risk reduction intervention, and to examine the program's impact on these. METHODS: A randomized control trial involving 763 adolescents (recruited during 2012-2014) who were randomly assigned to either an 8-session general health intervention (control) or an 8-session sexual risk reduction intervention (treatment). Seven social cognitive outcomes were identified and assessed post-program using ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS: Post-program, the treatment group exhibited greater knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions related to safer sex practices. No differences in attitudes toward abstinence, peer norms, or perceived vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: Results are promising, though insignificant results may diminish the program's behavioral impact. More research is needed to determine the extent to which outcomes are related to short and long term risk behaviors.
Authors: Eric Jenner; Lynne W Jenner; Sarah Walsh; Hilary Demby; Alethia Gregory; Erin Davis Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 9.308