PREIS Studies – Research

Personal Responsibility Education Innovative Strategies

Rigorous Evaluations of Two Innovative Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs

AMTC is the evaluator for two large-scale randomized-controlled trials as part of the Personal Responsibility Education Innovative Strategies (PREIS) Program, funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB). Through PREIS, FYSB supports research and demonstration projects that implement innovative strategies for preventing pregnancy among youth aged 10-19 years. One of these studies is currently ongoing in South Florida to test the impact of an innovative combination of a relationship education and mindfulness program on sexual behavioral outcomes and determinants related to adolescent pregnancy prevention (APP). Another trial is currently ongoing in the Mid-Atlantic to test whether an innovative pregnancy prevention and positive youth development (PYD) program is effective at reducing sex among teens. Surveys are collected at baseline, immediately following completion of the program, after 3 months, and after 12 months.

Study Abstract #1

Intervention The PlanBe program consists of a 13-lesson adolescent pregnancy prevention (APP) curriculum, Relationship Smarts PLUS 4.0 (RSP+), supplemented by 5 lessons from a trauma coping skills curriculum, Mind Matters (MM). The RSP+ curriculum addresses pregnancy prevention, PYD, life skills, healthy relationships, and dating violence.

Research Design The study is a 3-arm cluster Randomized Control Trial (RCT) with a combination of classroom-level assignment in schools and individual level assignment at the Community Based Organization (CBO). The study comprises two treatment arms (one receiving the combined RSP+ and MM program, the other receiving RSP+ alone) and a control arm (receiving a financial literacy program). This design allows the evaluation team to assess both the impact of RSP+ alone on participant outcomes, as well as the added impact of MM compared with RSP+ alone. Approximately 1,000 high school youth will be enrolled.

Outcome Domains Both the effectiveness of RSP+ alone and the added effectiveness of MM will be assessed primarily through their impacts on the rate of unprotected sex 12 months after program enrollment. In addition, the evaluation will assess the impact of RSP+ alone and the added effectiveness of MM on participants’ rates of sexual behaviors, resilience, ability to negotiate abstinence and resist pressure to have sex, goal setting, awareness of healthy relationships, communication and conflict resolution skills.

Study Abstract #2

Intervention Treatment cohorts will receive the Yes You Can … Make Smart Choices ( YYC…MSC!) intervention. YYC…MSC! is an 11-lesson curriculum that will be delivered to high school youth. The goal of the program is to prevent teen pregnancy and enhance character development in youth.

Research Design The study is a 2-arm cluster RCT with randomization at the school level. The study comprises one treatment arm (receiving YYC…MSC! Program) and a control arm (receiving delayed intervention). This design allows the evaluation team to assess the impact of YYC…MSC! on participant outcomes. Approximately 2,600 high school youth will be enrolled from 11 schools.

Outcome Domains The effectiveness of YYC…MSC! will be assessed primarily through its impacts on the rates of sexual intercourse 12 months after program enrollment. In addition, the evaluation will assess the impact of YYC…MSC! on participants’ rates of sexual behaviors and intentions, ability to negotiate abstinence and resist pressure to have sex, their knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, goal setting skills, awareness of healthy relationships, communication, conflict resolution skills, and financial literacy.