Theory-based HIV/STD Intervention - Approx. 50% Reduction in Unprotected Intercourse

Strategy researched

A theory-based HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk-reduction intervention delivered in schools that involved facilitated sessions seeking to increase knowledge about HIV/STDs, enhance behavioural beliefs that support abstinence and condom use, and increase skills and self-efficacy to negotiate abstinence and condom use - as well as to encourage caregiver involvement

Impact achieved

Participants were 49% less likely to have unprotected vaginal intercourse and 38% less likely to have vaginal intercourse compared to students who were a part of the standard health promotion programme. Participants were also 50% less likely to have vaginal intercourse with multiple partners.

Country of study

South Africa

Research methodology

Cluster RCT

Journal

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; 2010

Journal paper title and link

School-Based Randomized Controlled Trial of an HIV/STD Risk-Reduction Intervention for South African Adolescents

Excerpt from Abstract

"This is the first large-scale, community-level, randomized intervention trial to show significant effects on the HIV/STD sexual risk behavior of South African adolescents in the earliest stages of entry into sexual activity."