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A Group Randomized Controlled Trial of Relationships Under Construction Sexual Risk Avoidance Education.
Olivia Ashley1, Stephen R Shamblen2, Andrew Gluck3
1Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Louisville Center, 401 W. Main St., Suite 2100, Louisville, KY, 40202.
The Relationships Under Construction (RUC) program significantly reduced sexual activity among adolescents. This sexual risk avoidance education also improved attitudes toward delayed gratification and decision-making skills.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Sexual Risk Avoidance Education
Background:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the Relationships Under Construction (RUC) program.
- Promoting positive youth development and healthy relationships through education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the RUC program on adolescent sexual behavior.
- To determine if RUC improves attitudes related to sexual decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial in 12 Midwestern US schools.
- Intervention group implemented RUC; control group used standard curriculum.
- Controlled for baseline differences in grade, race/ethnicity, and prior education.
Main Results:
- RUC significantly reduced sexual activity (OR=0.56, p=0.046) at 3-month follow-up.
- Reduced pornography viewing and improved attitudes towards delayed gratification.
- Enhanced beliefs, decision-making skills, and negative outcome expectations.
Conclusions:
- RUC program effectively improves adolescent sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
- Further research is needed to evaluate RUC's impact on diverse populations.
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