The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Teen Choice program on reducing the rates of unprotected sex of high risk youth in New York.
The Teen Choice curriculum provides comprehensive sexual education on topics such as anatomy, puberty, sexually transmitted infections, and contraceptive methods (including abstinence). It also covers topics such as gender and sex roles, sexual orientation, decision making and conflict resolution, adult-teen relationships, rape and sexual assault, and coping with stress. The curriculum can be delivered in different formats that range in length from 6 to 12 weeks.
Intervention Start Date
2014-03-01
Intervention End Date
2016-12-01
Primary Outcomes (end points)
Unprotected sex in the three months prior to the survey [ Time Frame: 18-months post random assignment ] Unprotected sex in the three months prior to the survey [ Time Frame: 6-months post intervention ] Sexual Initiation [ Time Frame: 6-months post intervention ] Sexual Initiation [ Time Frame: 18-months post intervention ]
Primary Outcomes (explanation)
Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)
Experimental Design
This study uses a randomized controlled design to compare the impacts of the Teen Choice Program to the "business-as-usual" school curriculum. The Teen Choice curriculum is designed for adolescents aged 12 to 19 and will be delivered in different formats that range in length from 6 to 12 weeks. Teen Choice will be offered during the regular school day to middle and high school aged youth. This study is being conducted as part of the national Personal Responsibility Education Program evaluation funded by Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Experimental Design Details
Randomization Method
randomization done in office by a computer
Randomization Unit
individual
Was the treatment clustered?
No
Sample size: planned number of clusters
750 youth
Sample size: planned number of observations
750 youth
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
estimated 375 youth treatment, 375 youth control
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)