Your Move: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Blended Learning Sexual Health Program

To evaluate the efficacy of Your Move, a multisession blended learning sexual health education program for females aged 14-19 years.

This group randomized controlled trial included a sample of 104 groups comprised of 808 females aged 14-19 years. After completing the baseline survey, small groups of 4-16 participants were randomized, stratified by 6 regions, to receive Your Move (n = 58 groups, 412 participants) or an attention control program called Eat Smart (n = 46 groups, 396 participants). Participants completed a follow-up survey 3 months after the program instruction.

There were no statistically significant differences between conditions on the number of partners with whom participants had vaginal intercourse in the previous 3 months or the number of incidents of vaginal intercourse without condoms or contraception, measured using a series of questions to improve recall (primary outcomes); however, Your Move showed a statistically significant and positive impact on reducing unprotected vaginal intercourse as measured by a single item (an exploratory outcome). Program participants also showed statistically significant gains in knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and condom knowledge.

Your Move demonstrated mixed results; it had positive short-term impacts on knowledge and an exploratory indicator of unprotected vaginal intercourse, but null findings on other key outcomes. The study experienced design and measurement issues that may have affected the findings. These results could inform future research, and they suggest Your Move warrants further evaluation that incorporates a longer-term follow-up and further addresses the role of self-efficacy and other theorized drivers of behavior change.