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Teen Pregnancy Prevention - Essential Components
According to research conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, effective teen pregnancy prevention programs share ten basic characteristics. Each of these characteristics are equally important, for if one or more of them are missing from a program’s curricula, that program has been found to be less effective. In 2001, Douglas Kirby and his associates issued an analysis of effective sexual risk reduction programs entitled Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. In this study, he identified the same ten common elements present in sexuality education programs demonstrating an impact on youth sexual risk behaviors. 1
A focus on reducing a small number of sexual behaviors – Effective programs focus on reducing one or more sexual behaviors that lead to unintended pregnancy or HIV/STD infection.
Based on theoretical approaches to modifying behavior – Effective programs are based upon theoretical approaches that have been demonstrated to be effective in influencing other health-related risky behaviors.
State a clear message – Effective programs give a clear message by continually reinforcing a clear stance on risky behaviors.
Provide basic information – Effective programs provide basic, accurate information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and methods of avoiding unprotected intercourse.
Identify social pressures on sexual behavior – Effective programs include activities that address social pressures on sexual behavior, including pressures from peers, media and communities.
Model and practice communication, negotiation and refusal skills – Effective programs provide modeling and practice of communication, negotiation, and refusal skills.
Employ a variety of teaching methods – Effective programs employ a variety of teaching methods designed to involve the participants and have them personalize the information.
Incorporate student relevant material – Effective programs incorporate behavioral goals, teaching methods, and materials that are appropriate to the age, sexual experience, and culture of the adolescents.
Last a sufficient amount of time – Effective programs last a sufficient length of time to complete important activities adequately.
Provide training for teachers and peer educators – Effective programs select teachers or peers who believed in the program they are implementing and then provide training for those individuals.
More information on these ten characteristics can be found on the Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (ReCAPP) Web site.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention
1 National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, http://www.teenpregnancy.org
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