Do Abstinence-Plus Interventions Reduce Sexual Risk Behavior among Youth?
Author Information
Author(s): Shari L. Dworkin, John Santelli
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Do abstinence-plus interventions reduce sexual risk behavior among youth in high-income countries?
Conclusion
Abstinence-plus programs appear to reduce short-term and long-term HIV risk behavior among youth in high-income countries.
Supporting Evidence
- 23 of 39 abstinence-plus trials reported a protective effect on at least one sexual behavior.
- No trials found adverse impacts of abstinence-plus interventions on sexual behaviors.
- Abstinence-plus programs did not increase HIV risks among youth in any study.
Takeaway
This study looked at programs that teach both abstinence and safe sex, and found that they help young people make safer choices about sex.
Methodology
The study included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of abstinence-plus interventions.
Potential Biases
The study may be influenced by the exclusion of abstinence-plus programs from federal funding.
Limitations
Few studies adequately defined abstinence, and many trials had high attrition rates and lacked clear control descriptions.
Participant Demographics
Youth in high-income countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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