Holistic Programs That Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections

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Executive Summary [PDF]

Youth in developing countries face significant threats to their health and well-being—threats that include the HIV and AIDS pandemic, high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies that may result in maternal morbidity and/or mortality. Given the need to focus limited prevention resources on effective programs, Advocates for Youth undertook an exhaustive review to find programs proven effective by rygorous evaluation and identified the 10 highly effective programs highlighted in this document. In addition, Advocates has also published a review of 26 highly effective, U.S.-based programs that may also be useful, if culturally adapted, for youth in developing countries.*

Criteria for Inclusion

Programs included in this document all had evaluations that:

• Were published in peer-reviewed journals (a proxy for the quality of evaluation design and analysis);
• Used an experimental or quasi-experimental design, with treatment and control / comparison groups;

and

• Included at least 100 young people in treatment and control / comparison groups.

Further, the evaluations either:

• Continued to collect data from both groups at three months or later after the intervention; and
• Demonstrated that the program showed at least two beneficial behavior changes among program youth,
  relative to comparison / controls. [See Table A.]

Or

• Showed effectiveness in reducing incidence or rates of pregnancy, STIs, or HIV in program youth
  relative to comparison / controls. [See Table A.]

Outcomes

Among the 10 programs, evaluations found:

• Delayed Sexual Initiation—Six programs demonstrated statistically significant delays in the initiation of sexual intercourse among
  program youth, relative to comparisons.
• Risk Reduction for Sexually Active Youth—In addition to the delay of first sex, all of the programs reduced sexual risk behaviors among sexually active youth. Eight programs resulted in an increased use of condoms; in six programs, participants
  reduced the number of their sex partners; in five programs, participants increased their use of modern methods of contraception; and in three programs, participants reported increased abstinence.
• Reduced Incidence of Pregnancy or STIs—One program demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of pregnancy among participants, relative to comparison youth; and one demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of STIs.

Program Strategies

All of the programs are comprehensive, providing information about abstinence and the use of contraception and condoms. In addition, eight programs provide sexual health services or referral for services; seven directly involve community members; six directly involve youth; and six rely, at least in part, on media strategies. [See Table B.]

Note: Blank boxes indicate either: 1) the program did not measure, nor aim at, this particular outcome / impact; or 2) the program did not achieve a significant positive outcome in regard to the particular behavior or impact.

Program Summaries in Brief

1. Horizon Jeunes (Cameroon)
   
   This adolescent reproductive health program, integrated into a larger, nationwide, social marketing program, includes free and reduced price condoms and oral contraceptives as well as referral to youth-friendly services. It was evaluated among male and female urban youth, ages 12 through 22, both in and out of school. Evaluation showed that, among participants relative to comparison youth, the program delayed the initiation of sexual intercourse and, among sexually experienced youth, increased abstinence, reduced the number of males' sex partners, increased males' use of contraception, and increased females' use of condoms.[1,2]
   
   For more information, contact—Dominique Meekers, Population Services International, 1120 19th Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   
   
2. STI Counseling and Treatment Program (Nigeria)
   
   This comprehensive STI prevention and treatment program is designed for use in high school settings. Para-professionals and peer educators are trained to provide students with STI education and referral while health care professionals are trained to provide youth with appropriate care for STIs. The program was evaluated among urban, senior high school students, ages 14 through 18. Evaluation found that the program resulted in a reduced incidence of STIs among participants, relative to comparison youth, and also in increased use of condoms and increased use of private physicians for STI treatment. Among participating females, the program resulted in increased notification of partners about exposure to STIs.[3]
   
   For more information, contact—Professor F.E. Okonofua, Women's Health and Action Research Centre, 4 Alofoje Street, OffUwasota Street, Box 10231, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   
   
3. Nyeri Youth Health Project (Kenya)
   
   This culturally-based, comprehensive, sexual health program utilizes a traditional reliance on young parents in the community to 1) guide youth on sexuality-related issues; 2) advocate with adults in the community for adolescent sexual health information and services; and 3) refer youth for youth-friendly sexual health care. The program was evaluated among urban and rural youth, ages 10 to 24, both in and out of school. Evaluation showed that, relative to youth in the comparison community, youth in the program community increased their sexual health conversations with parents and other community adults. Evaluation also found delays in the initiation of sexual intercourse among sexually inexperienced male youth; increased condom use among sexually experienced males; and increased abstinence and a reduced number of sexual partners among sexually experienced female youth.[4,5]
   
   For more information, contact—Population Council, P.O. Box 17643-00500, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, Kenya; (254-2) 2713480/1/2/3; fax (254-2) 2713479; or Family Planning Association of Kenya, P. O. Box 30581, Nairobi, Kenya; 604296; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   
   
4. Promoting Sexual Responsibility among Youth (Zimbabwe)
   
   This comprehensive, multimedia sexual health campaign centrally involves youth, both in its design and as peer educators. The objectives of the campaign are to 1) increase youth's reproductive and sexual health knowledge; 2) heighten approval of safer sexual behavior and of using family planning services; and 3) encourage youth to adopt safer sexual behaviors and to attend health services facilities. The program was evaluated among youth ages 10 to 24, living in cities or in small town centers in rural areas. Evaluation showed that, relative to youth in the comparison communities, youth in the program communities increased their communication with parents and others about sexual health. Sexually inexperienced youth in the program communities delayed initiation of sexual intercourse. Among sexually experienced youth in the program communities, females reported increased abstinence; both males and females reduced the number of their sex partners, increased their use of contraception, increased their use of condoms, and increased their use of health care services.[6]
   
   For more information, contact—Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), Post Office Box 220, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe; +263 (4) 620 281/2/3/4/5 or +263 (4) 620 282; fax +263 (4) 620 280; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   
   
5. HIV Prevention Education for High School Students (Nigeria)
   
   This comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/STI prevention curriculum includes six sessions, one per week, each lasting two to six hours, conducted over six consecutive weeks by trained health care professionals. The program was evaluated among urban high school youth, ages 13 through 20, and living in poverty. Evaluation found that, relative to youth in comparison schools, the program promoted delayed initiation of sexual intercourse among sexually inexperienced youth in program schools. Relative to youth in comparison schools, sexually active youth in program schools reduced the number of their sex partners and increased their use of condoms.[7]
   
   For more information, contact—I.O. Fawole, M.C. Asuzu, or S.O. Oduntan, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, PMB 5017 GPO, Ibadan, Nigeria
   
   
6. School Health Education (Uganda)
   
   This comprehensive, peer education program is designed for use within existing school structures. The program is taught by health educators and overseen by administrators and local committees and intends to change basic attitudes about sexual intercourse and to encourage safer sexual behaviors. It was evaluated in upper primary schools, among rural and urban students, ages 10 to 18. Evaluation found that, relative to youth in comparison schools, the program increased students' communication with teachers and peers about sexual health, delayed the initiation of sexual intercourse among sexually inexperienced youth, and reduced the number of sex partners reported by sexually active youth.[8,9]
   
   For more information, contact—African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), P.O. Box 10663, Plot 17, Nakasero Road, Kampala, Uganda; www.amref.org
   
   
7. Family AIDS Education & Prevention through Imams (Uganda)
   
   This culturally appropriate, community-based, HIV prevention program is taught in Muslim family homes by Family AIDS Workers (FAWs), appointed by imams (mosque leaders). Designed by the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, the program involves regular visits by the FAWs and imams to each household, to discuss HIV and AIDS and ways to prevent transmission. It was evaluated among Muslim families in rural communities and rural trading centers, with a special focus on male and female Muslim youth. Evaluation showed that, relative to Muslim youth in a comparison region, youth exposed to the program reduced the number of their sex partners; male youth increased their use of condoms.[10]
   
   For more information, contact—Magid Kagimu, MD, Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, P.O. Box 2773, Kampala, Uganda
   
   
8. Entre Nous Jeunes Peer Education (Cameroon)
   
   This comprehensive, sexual health peer education program trains peer educators to work within their own community to educate their peers and to refer youth, when necessary, to reproductive and sexual health care. Peer educators arrange discussion groups and meet with their peers in existing, community-based, youth service clubs and youth associations (sports and religion). The program was evaluated among urban, in and out of school youth, ages 10 to 25. Evaluation showed that, relative to youth in a comparison community, youth in the program community increased their use of contraception and increased their use of condoms.[11]
   
   For more information, contact—Family Health and AIDS in West and Central Africa Project, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of International Health and Development, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2200, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA; or Simon-Pierre Tegang, Researcher, Institut de Recherche et des Etudes de Comportements, Yaoundé, Cameroon
   
   
9. Sexual Health Information and Services for Youth (China)
   
   This comprehensive, sexual health program for unmarried youth provides sex education and community-based sexual health counseling and contraceptive services. It was evaluated among unmarried, urban youth, ages 15 to 24, both in and out of school. Evaluation found that, relative to youth in a comparison community, youth in the program community increased their use of contraception and increased their use of condoms. Males in the program community also reported increased partner communication about use of contraception.[12]
   
   For more information, contact—Department of Epidemiology and Social Science on Reproductive Health, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 2140 Xie Tu Road, Shanghai 200034, Peoples Republic of China; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  


10. Adolescence: Time of Choices (Chile)
    
    This comprehensive, school-based sex education curriculum involves physicians in working with students, parents, and teachers. Medical staff works in the schools, referring youth to health services, providing educational sessions, answering students' questions, and serving as a resource for students, parents, and teachers. The program was evaluated among students, ages 12 to 17. Evaluation showed that, relative to youth in comparison schools, sexually inexperienced youth in program schools delayed the initiation of sex. Sexually experienced female students in program schools increased their use of contraception. Evaluation also found a reduced incidence of pregnancy and incidence of imposed abortions** among youth in program schools.[13,14]
    
    For more information, contact—Virginia Toledo or Ximena Luengo; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Dirección: El Trovador 4280 – Of.612, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile  
    1. Agha S. A quasi-experimental study to assess the impact of four adolescent sexual health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. International Family Planning Perspectives 2002; 28:67-70, 113-118.
    2. Van Rossem R, Meekers D. An evaluation of the effectiveness of targeted social marketing to promote adolescent and young adult reproductive health in Cameroon. AIDS Education & Prevention
    3. Okonofua FE, Coplan P, Collins S et al. Impact of an intervention to improve treatment-seeking behavior and prevent sexually transmitted diseases among Nigerian youth. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2003; 7:61-73.
    4. Erulkar AS, Ettyang LIA, Onoka C et al. Behavior change evaluation of a culturally consistent reproductive health program for young Kenyans. International Family Planning Perspectives 2004; 30:58-67.
    5. Erulkar AS, Ettyand LIA, Onoka C et al. Nyeri Youth Health Project: Impact of a Community-Driven Reproductive Health Programme for Young People & Community Members in Kenya. Nairobi: Population Council, 2003.
    6. Kim, YM, Kos A, Nyakauru R et al. Promoting sexual responsibility among young people in Zimbabwe. International Family Planning Perspectives 2001; 27:11-19.
    7. Fawole IO, Asuzu MC, Oduntan SO et al. A school-based AIDS education programme for secondary school students in Nigeria: a review of effectiveness. Health Education Research: Theory & Practice 1999; 14(5):675-683.
    8. Shuey DA, Babishangire BB, Omiat S et al. Increased sexual abstinence among in-school adolescents as a result of school health education in Soroti district, Uganda. Health Education Research: Theory & Practice 1999; 14:411-419.
    9. Gallant M, Maticka-Tyndale E. School-based HIV prevention programmes for African youth. Social Science & Medicine 2004; 58:1337-1351.
    10. Kagimu M, Marum E, Wabwire-Mangen F et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of AIDS health education interventions in the Muslim community in Uganda. AIDS Education & Prevention 1998; 10:215-228.
    11. Speizer IS, Tambashe BO, Tegang SP. An evaluation of the "Entre Nous Jeunes" peer educator program for adolescents in Cameroon. Studies in Family Planning 2001; 32:339-351.
    12. Chao-Hua L, Bo W, Yan S et al. Effects of a community-based sex education and reproductive health service program on contraceptive use of unmarried youths in Shanghai. Journal of Adolescent Health 2004; 34:433-440.
    13. Toledo V, Luengo X, Molina R et al. Impacto del programa de educación sexual: Adolescencia Tiempo de Decisiones. Sogia 2000; 7(3); http://www.cemera.uchile.cl/sogia/sogia.html.
    14. Grizzard T, Gonzáles E, Sandoval J et al. Innovations in adolescent reproductive and sexual health education in Santiago de Chile: effects of physician leadership and direct service. Journal of the American Medical Women's Association 2004; 59:207-209.
        

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