Holistic approaches to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents

Evidence Rating  
Insufficient Evidence
Evidence rating: Insufficient Evidence

Strategies with this rating have limited research documenting effects. These strategies need further research, often with stronger designs, to confirm effects.

Health Factors  
Decision Makers

Interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior among adolescents can be coordinated with work, vocational training, or sports, providing a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Such interventions often include components focused directly on pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention in addition to activities related to work, vocational training, or sports.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes (Rated)

  • Reduced risky sexual behavior

Other Potential Beneficial Outcomes

  • Increased HIV and STI knowledge

  • Increased self-efficacy

  • Increased condom use

  • Increased STI testing

Evidence of Effectiveness

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether youth development behavioral interventions coordinated with work, vocational training, or sports reduce sexual risk behaviors among adolescents1. Available evidence suggests that sports-based HIV prevention interventions may positively affect HIV-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and condom use in the short-term2, and an intervention within vocational training in the Netherlands yielded increases in STI testing among older adolescents3. However, additional evidence is needed to confirm effects.

Impact on Disparities

No impact on disparities likely
Footnotes

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1 CG-HIV/AIDS and pregnancy - The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide). HIV/AIDS, STIs, and pregnancy.

2 Kaufman 2012 - Kaufman A. Effectiveness of sport-based HIV prevention interventions: A systematic review of the evidence. AIDS and Behavior. 2013;17(3):987–1001.

3 Wolfers 2011 - Wolfers M, Kok G, Looman C, de Zwart O, Mackenbach J. Promoting STI testing among senior vocational students in Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Effects of a cluster randomized study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(1):937.

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