Effectiveness of Abstinence-Plus HIV Prevention Programs
Author Information
Author(s): Underhill Kristen, Operario Don, Montgomery Paul
Primary Institution: Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Do Abstinence-Plus Interventions Reduce Sexual Risk Behavior among Youth?
Conclusion
Many abstinence-plus programs appear to reduce short-term and long-term HIV risk behavior among youth in high-income countries without causing harm.
Supporting Evidence
- 23 out of 39 trials found a protective program effect on at least one sexual behavior.
- No trial found adverse program effects on any behavioral outcome.
- Findings consistently favored abstinence-plus programs over controls for HIV knowledge outcomes.
Takeaway
Programs that teach kids to wait to have sex and also how to use condoms can help keep them safe from HIV without making them more likely to have sex.
Methodology
Cochrane Collaboration systematic review methods were used, including randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
Potential Biases
Potential attrition bias due to dropout rates exceeding 33% in some trials.
Limitations
Generalizability may be limited to North American adolescents; self-reported data may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily North American youth, with many from minority and lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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