ERIC Number: EJ1355298
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Available Date: N/A
The Impact of a High School-Based Positive Youth Development Program on Sexual Health Outcomes: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Walsh, Sarah; Jenner, Eric; Qaragholi, Noor; Henley, Catherine; Demby, Hilary; Leger, Rebekah; Burgess, Kelly
Journal of School Health, v92 n12 p1155-1164 Dec 2022
Background: Although positive youth development (PYD) programs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes, there is a lack of evidence on effective school-based interventions designed especially for high school settings. This study examined the efficacy of Peer Group Connection (PGC-HS), a school-based PYD program, in improving sexual health outcomes for high school participants. Methods: A total of 1523 ninth-grade students at 18 schools were randomly assigned to be offered PGC-HS or a classes-as-usual control condition during 2016 to 2017 and 2017 to 2018 school years. Impacts were assessed on three confirmatory and 6 exploratory outcomes via self-reported participant questionnaire data collected at the beginning of 10th grade. Results: Although the offer of PGC-HS had no statistically detectable effect on confirmatory behavioral outcomes (sexual initiation, frequency of sex, and number of sexual partners) at 10th grade follow-up, causal impact estimates indicate that PGC-HS participants were less likely than control participants to ever have had vaginal sex. PGC-HS participants also scored higher on decision-making skills and perceived connection to peer connectedness. Conclusions: Results suggest that by building social and emotional skills and helping students form supportive peer relationships, PGC-HS may encourage students to make healthier choices and avoid risky behaviors during a critical period in high school, thus, reducing the risk of pregnancy.
Descriptors: Health Programs, Intervention, High School Students, Adolescent Development, Sex Education, Outcomes of Education, Health Behavior, Decision Making, Peer Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Risk
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration (DHHS), Office of Adolescent Health
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: TP2AH0000370101
Author Affiliations: N/A