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An abstinence program's impact on cognitive mediators and sexual initiation.
Stan E Weed1, Irene H Ericksen, Allen Lewis
1Institute for Research and Evaluation, Salt Lake City, UT 84118, USA. weedstan@aol.com
American Journal of Health Behavior
|November 21, 2007
Summary
This study found that an abstinence education program significantly reduced teen sexual initiation among seventh graders. The program also improved cognitive factors that mediate sexual decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent sexual behavior remains a significant public health concern.
- Effective interventions are needed to delay sexual initiation and promote informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of an abstinence education program.
- To examine the program's impact on sexual intercourse initiation.
- To evaluate the role of cognitive mediators in sexual decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design compared program participants to a matched control group (n=550).
- Data on sexual behavior and six cognitive mediators were collected at three time points.
- Statistical analyses controlled for pretest differences.
Main Results:
- Program participants demonstrated significant improvements in four of six cognitive mediators.
- After one year, program participants had a substantially lower risk of sexual initiation (RR=.457, P=.008).
Conclusions:
- The abstinence education program effectively reduced teen sexual initiation.
- Cognitive mediators play a significant role in adolescent sexual decision-making.
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