Lessons Learned from Replicating a Randomized Control Trial Evaluation of an App-Based Sexual Health Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Young Black and Latinx women (aged 18-20) face high rates of unplanned pregnancy.
• App-based interventions offer a scalable approach to reproductive health education.
• Previous evaluations of the Pulse app showed positive impacts on contraceptive use and confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and evaluate the effectiveness of the Pulse app-based pregnancy prevention program.
• To assess impacts on contraceptive knowledge, consistent use, and self-confidence among young women.
• To examine sustained effects at six-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A randomized control trial design was used, enrolling 1013 women via social media.
• Participants were randomized to the Pulse app or a general health control app.
• Data were collected via surveys at six weeks and six months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Intervention group participants showed significantly higher contraceptive knowledge at six weeks (p=0.000).
• These knowledge gains were not sustained at the six-month follow-up (p=0.162).
• No significant differences were found in other measured outcomes, contrasting with prior studies.

Conclusions:

• The Pulse app effectively increased contraceptive knowledge in the short term but lacked sustained impact.
• Differences in participant demographics, app usage, and attitudes towards contraception may explain diminished effects.
• Further research is needed to optimize digital interventions for long-term reproductive health behavior change in diverse young populations.