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Adolescent Reproductive Health: Promoting Science Based Approaches |
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back to Promoting Science Based Approaches
Using science-based approaches for teen pregnancy prevention helps ensure
that programs have a greater chance of succeeding. A science-based approach
includes the following:
- Using demographic, epidemiological, and social science research to
identify populations at risk of early pregnancy and sexually
transmitted infections, and to identify the risk and protective factors
for those populations.
- Using health behavior or health education theory for selecting risk
and protective factors that will be addressed by the program, and guide
the selection of intervention activities.
- Using a logic model to link risk and protective factors with program
strategies and outcomes.
- Selecting, adapting if necessary, and implementing programs that are
either science-based or are a
promising
program.
- Conducting process and outcome evaluation of the implemented
program, and modifying approach based on results.
Science-Based Program
A science-based program is one that research has shown to
be effective in changing at least one of the following behaviors that
contribute to early pregnancy, STD, and HIV infection: delaying sexual
initiation, reducing the frequency of sexual intercourse, reducing the
number of sexual partners, or increasing the use of condoms and other
contraceptives. The program was evaluated using a rigorous research design,
which includes the following:
- Using an experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation design.
- Measuring knowledge, attitude, and behavior.
- Having an adequate sample size.
- Collecting data from both groups at three months or later after
intervention.
- Using sound research methods and processes.
- Replicating in different locations and finding similar evaluation
results.
- Publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal.
If a science-based program cannot be implemented with fidelity, or cannot
be adapted to fit a community’s population, then implementing a promising
program would be the next best option.
Promising Program
A promising program is one that has not been formally
evaluated but has most of the characteristics of programs shown to be
effective. Dr. Douglas Kirby and colleagues have developed a list of 17
characteristics of effective curriculum-based programs. This list was
developed by conducting a systematic review of 83 domestic and international
sexuality education and HIV prevention program evaluations. In their review,
Kirby, et.al., found that the majority of the effective programs
incorporated most of the 17 common characteristics of successful
curriculum-based programs identified in the analysis. The characteristics
are divided into three categories: program development, program
design/content, and program implementation. The list of characteristics can
be accessed at www.etr.org/recapp*
or
www.healthyteennetwork.org.*
It is important to note that this list of characteristics applies only to
curriculum-based sexuality/HIV education programs. To date there is not a
comparable list of characteristics for other types of programs, such as
clinic-based, youth development, or parent education programs.
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Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
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Page last reviewed: 5/17/09
Page last modified: 5/17/09
Content source:
Division of Reproductive Health,
National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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