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Adolescent Reproductive Health: Promoting Science Based Approaches |
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back to Promoting Science Based Approaches
Definitions of Science-Based Approach, Science-Based Program, and Promising
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Using a logic model to link risk and protective factors with program
strategies and outcomes.
- Selecting, adapting if necessary, and implementing programs that are
either science-based or are a promising
program.
- Conducting process and outcome evaluation of the implemented program, and
modifying approach based on results.
Science-Based Program
A science-based program is one that research has shown to be effective in
changing at least one of the following behaviors that contribute to early
pregnancy, STD and HIV infection: delaying sexual initiation, reducing the
frequency of sexual intercourse, reducing the number of sexual partners, or
increasing the use of condoms and other contraceptives. The program was
evaluated using a rigorous research design, which includes the following:
- Using an experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation design
- Measuring knowledge, attitude, and behavior
- Having an adequate sample size
- Collecting data from both groups at three months or later after
intervention
- Using sound research methods and processes
- Replicating in different locations and finding similar evaluation results
- Publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal
If a science-based program cannot be implemented with fidelity, or cannot be
adapted to fit a community’s population, then implementing a promising
program would be the next best option.
Promising Program
A promising program is one that has not been formally evaluated but has most
of the characteristics of programs shown to be effective. Dr. Douglas Kirby
and colleagues have developed a list of 17 characteristics of effective
curriculum-based programs. This list was developed by conducting a
systematic review of 83 domestic and international sexuality education and
HIV prevention program evaluations. In their review, Kirby, et.al., found that
the majority of the effective programs incorporated most of the 17 common
characteristics of successful curriculum-based programs identified in the
analysis. The characteristics are divided into three categories: program
development, program design/content and program implementation. The list of
characteristics can be accessed at www.etr.org/recapp* or
www.healthyteennetwork.org.* It is important to note that this list of
characteristics applies only to curriculum-based sexuality/HIV education
programs. To date there is not a comparable list of characteristics for
other types of programs, such as clinic-based, youth development, or parent
education programs.
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Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
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Page last reviewed: 10/8/08
Page last modified: 6/6/07
Content source:
Division of Reproductive Health,
National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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