Feasibility, acceptability, and potential utility of an evidence-based pregnancy prevention program among Black/African American middle and high school students in Florida

Given high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among Black teens in Florida, the need exists for evidence-based interventions to prevent negative and promote positive sexual health outcomes. Building on positive youth development principles, Love Notes is an evidence-based sexuality education program designed to help youth develop and maintain healthy relationships while preparing for the future. Two versions of Love Notes exist - comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and sexual risk avoidance (SRA). CSE programs are preferred over SRA programs, which explains why most Love Notes research has used the CSE version. However, some communities will not support CSE programming. Addressing the need to evaluate Love Notes-SRA, this study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential utility of Love Notes-SRA programming for Black middle and high school students in Tampa Bay, Florida. Existing program evaluation data collected from 452 youth aged 11-19 indicated lower self-reported intentions to engage in risky behaviors and increased self-reported ability and intentions to resist peer pressure, regulate emotions, weigh the consequences of a decision, and engage in future planning after completing the program. Although CSE programming for all youth is preferred, findings suggest Love Notes-SRA is feasible, acceptable, and potentially useful for Black youth.