title: Effective Evidence-Based Programs For Preventing Sexually-Transmitted Infections: A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: Educational programs for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have often been implemented in different settings and populations. Mathematica Policy Research and Child Trends conducted a systematic review of 289 evidence-based interventions aiming to reduce STIs and sexual risk behavior in adolescents in the United States. These interventions were published between 1989 and 2012. We conducted a meta-analysis of the interventions that assessed incidence of STIs at follow up, and we identified key characteristics of successful interventions. Results showed that on average interventions reduced incidence roughly from 7 to 6 out of 100 people (17% relative risk reduction (RRR)). Interventions focused on abstinence had no effect, while comprehensive education programs aiming to improve skills and promote safe sexual practices reduced risk by 4 percent (23% RRR). In particular, interventions teaching condom use skills or communication and negotiation skills reduced incidence of STIs by 3 to 4 percent (30% RRR). Finally, interventions decreasing frequency of intercourse or number of sexual partners and interventions increasing condom use also reduced incidence of STIs by 5 to 7 percent (28-36% RRR). Overall properly designed interventions with the above-mentioned characteristics can achieve a 30% reduction of STI incidence. Implications for designing successful interventions to prevent STIs in adolescents are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center. University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain. dafinapetrova@ugr.es.
authors.forename: Dafina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Petrova
authors.forename: Rocio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Garcia-Retamero
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States