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For Professionals
With so many programs
and strategies to chose from, how can a youth-serving professional decide what
is best for their organization? COAPPP, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Society for Adolescent Medicine, the National Campaign to
Prevent Teen Pregnancy and many others would recommend professionals begin to
integrate science-based approaches into their current program planning and
development. But what are science-based approaches to teen pregnancy, HIV and
STI prevention?
Definitions of
Science-Based Approach, Science-Based Program, and Promising Program
“Science-based” = “What Works”, “Evidence-based,” or “Effective”
“Science-based” is a
technical way of identifying what thorough research has already proven to work
in preventing teen pregnancy, STDs, and HIV. Science-based approaches include
techniques, characteristics, activities and programs for which there is
evidence of effectiveness.
These approaches not only include types of programs (i.e., youth
development, parent-child communication and sexuality education including
information on abstinence, condoms and contraception), but also the process
for developing, implementing, and evaluating a program.
Science-Based
Approach
Using
science-based approaches for teen pregnancy prevention helps ensure that
programs have a greater chance of succeeding. A science-based approach includes
the following:
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Research: Using demographic, epidemiological and social
science research to identify populations at risk of early pregnancy and/or
sexually transmitted infections, and to identify the risk and protective
factors for those populations.
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Theory: Using health behavior or health education theory for
selecting risk and protective factors that will be addressed by the program,
and guide the selection of intervention activities.
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Logic Model: Using a logic model to link risk and
protective factors with program strategies and outcomes.
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Proven Program: Selecting, adapting if necessary, and
implementing programs that are either
science-based or are a
promising program.
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Evaluation: Conducting process and outcome evaluation of
the implemented program, and modifying approach based on results.
Science-based
approaches provide a framework and tools to support organizations in the
planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs with greater intent and
impact. However the true value of using a science-based approach lies in
the research. Research has shown that integrating components of a SBA in a
program will lead to more effective teen pregnancy and HIV prevention
programs, thus reducing rates of teen pregnancy and HIV. Science-based
approaches are now gold-standard frameworks for effective programs according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Society for
Adolescent Medicine, and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, in
addition to many others. For more information about SBA and how to integrate
them into your work, contact COAPPP.
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