Comprehensive Education about Sexuality
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Numerous studies and evaluations published in peer-reviewed literature have looked at sexuality education programs. Studies have shown that comprehensive education about sexuality, programs that teach teens about both abstinence and contraception/ disease prevention, are an effective strategy to help young people delay their initiation of sexual intercourse, reduce the number of sexual partners they have, and increase condom or contraceptive use when they do become pregnant. EVALUATIONSThe studies listed in this section are reviews of evaluations of interventions designed to prevent HIV, other STDs, and teen pregnancy. Sex and HIV Education Programs for Youth: Their Impact and Important CharacteristicsSource: Doug Kirby, et. al., Sex and HIV Education Programs for Youth: Their Impact and Important Characteristics (Scotts Valley, CA: ETR Associates, 2006). Description: The researchers gathered information on 83 different studies of effective education programs that showed an ability to reduce risks for HIV, other STDs, or unintended pregnancy. Of the 83 studies reviewed, 56 were based in the United States. Programs targeted young people ages 9–24. Key Findings:
To View this Resource: www.etr.org/recapp/documents/programs/SexHIVedProgs.pdf Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen PregnancySource: Doug Kirby, Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy (Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2001). Description: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy commissioned a review of programs considered effective at reducing teen pregnancy and/or STD rates among young people. Kirby gathered information on over 250 studies to identify the elements that made the programs effective. Key Findings:
To View this Resource: www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/data/pdf/emeranswsum.pdf Science and Success: Sex Education and Other Programs That Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted InfectionsSource: S. Alford, et al., Science and Success: Sex Education and Other Programs That Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections, (Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2003) Description: This paper compiles descriptions of the rigorously evaluated programs that have demonstrated effectiveness at reducing adolescents’ risk for pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. Key Findings:
To View this Resource: www.advocatesforyouth.org/programsthatwork/index.htm Best-Evidence Interventions: Findings From a Systematic Review of HIV Behavioral Interventions for US Populations at High Risk, 2000–2004Source: C.M. Lyles, et. al., “Best-evidence interventions: Findings from a systematic review of HIV behavioral interventions for U.S. populations at high risk, 2000–2004,” American Journal of Public Health 97(1) (2006): 133-143. Description: Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reviewed U.S.-based HIV-prevention research literature from 2000 through 2004 to identify interventions demonstrating best evidence of efficacy for reducing HIV risk. They found eighteen interventions that met the criteria for “best evidence.” Key Findings:
To View this Resource: This article may be obtained online for a fee. For more information:
If you have difficulty finding this article, you may contact SIECUS at A Decade in Review: Building on the Experiences of Past Adolescent STI/HIV Interventions to Optimize Future Prevention EffortsSource: J.M. Sales, et. al., “A decade in review: Building on the experiences of past adolescent STI/HIV interventions to optimize future prevention efforts,” Sexually Transmitted Infections 82 (2006): 431-436. Description: Researchers reviewed findings from selected adolescent STD/HIV interventions in the United States between 1994 and 2004. They examined the most current STD risk reduction programs in a wide range of settings: communities, schools, clinics, detention homes, and drug treatment facilities. They then identified the features that were associated with effective programs. Key Findings:
To View this Resource: This article may be obtained online for a fee. For more information: If you have difficulty finding this article, you may contact SIECUS at siecus@siecus.org. SOURCES OF EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS ReCAPP (ETR Associates): Evidence-Based Programs
This web resource provides practical tools and information to effectively reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors. Health educators will find up-to-date, evaluated programming materials to help with their work with teens. A section on Evidence-Based Programs identifies curricula that have shown evidence of changing adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior.
To View this Resource: See ETR's Resource Center for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (ReCAPP) at: www.etr.org/recapp
DEBIs: Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions
This project was designed to help community-based service providers as well as state and local health departments provide effective, science-based, HIV-prevention initiatives. The website contains detailed information on interventions including: Healthy Relationships, Holistic Health Recovery, MPowerment, Safety Counts, Street Smart, and many others.
To View this Resource: www.effectiveinterventions.org
PASHA: Program Archive on Sexuality, Health and Adolescence
This archive created by Sociometrics provides a collection of promising teen pregnancy and STD/HIV/AIDS prevention programs that have demonstrated effectiveness. Educators can obtain a package containing all of the materials needed for program implementation. In addition, it provides three evaluation resources that give program developers a starting point for re-evaluating the promising program.
To View this Resource: www.socio.com/pasha.htm
Compendium of HIV Prevention Interventions with Evidence of Effectiveness
This compendium was compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help educators locate effective HIV-prevention interventions for drug users, heterosexual adults, men who have sex with men, and youth. The CDC determined rigorous evaluation requirements to ensure that only effective interventions would be included. This document contains summaries of those interventions that met these criteria.
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