title: Yo Puedo--a conditional cash transfer and life skills intervention to promote adolescent sexual health: results of a randomized feasibility study in san francisco.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We designed and evaluated for feasibility an intervention-Yo Puedo-that addresses social network influences and socioeconomic opportunities in a neighborhood with substantial gang exposure and early childbearing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Yo Puedo combined conditional cash transfers for completion of educational and reproductive health wellness goals with life skills sessions, and targeted youth 16-21 years of age and same-aged members of their social network. We conducted a two-arm study with social networks randomized to the intervention or a standard services control arm. We evaluated intervention uptake, adherence, and safety; and assessed evidence of effects on behavioral outcomes associated with unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 72 social networks composed of 162 youth enrolled, with 92% retention over 6 months. Seventy-two percent of youth randomized to the intervention participated in intervention activities: 53% received at least one conditional cash transfer payment and 66% came to at least one life skills session. We found no evidence that cash payments financed illicit or high-risk behavior. At 6 months, compared with controls, intervention participants had a lower odds of hanging out on the street frequently (odds ratio [OR], .54; p = .10) and a lower odds of reporting that their close friends had been incarcerated (OR, .6; p = .12). They reported less regular alcohol use (OR, .54; p = .04) and a lower odds of having sex (OR, .50; p = .04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The feasibility evaluation of Yo Puedo demonstrated its promise; a larger evaluation of effects on pregnancy and sustained behavioral changes is warranted.
authors: Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California. Electronic address: aminnis@rti.org.
authors: Alexandra M
authors: AM
authors: Minnis
authors: Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California.
authors: Evan
authors: E
authors: vanDommelen-Gonzalez
authors: Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California.
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Luecke
authors: School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Dow
authors: National Public Health Institute, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Bautista-Arredondo
authors: School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California.
authors: Nancy S
authors: NS
authors: Padian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010379:Peer Group; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D060926:Remuneration; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000193:education* / Q000208:ethnology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012495:San Francisco; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescent; Adolescent pregnancy; Intervention studies; Juvenile delinquency; Poverty; United states