First Abstinence-Only Study Proven Effective Among At-Risk Inner-City Adolescents

SELECT MEDIA ANNOUNCES FIRST ABSTINENCE-ONLY CURRICULUM PROVEN EFFECTIVE AMONG AT-RISK INNER-CITY ADOLESCENTS

Nationally-renowned researchers pioneered a new education approach that works in delaying
teen sex and could have a major impact on the future of health education

NEW YORK, March 16, 2010 – Evidence-based curriculum publisher Select Media, Inc., announced the first Abstinence-only, HIV/AIDS, STD and Teen Pregnancy Prevention curriculum proven effective in delaying sexual initiation among at-risk teens. The Abstinence-only curriculum was created for a gold standard, 2-year research study, “Promoting Health Among Teens,” by nationally renowned experts in health psychology and behavior. The authors and researchers are Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N. and John B. Jemmott III, Ph.D. The “Promoting Health Among Teens” curriculum is an Abstinence-only intervention for at-risk youth in grades 5 to 9 and will be available for schools and youth organizations to purchase this spring.

The Jemmotts’ research study results, released last month, showed that only one-third of the students who participated in classes using the “Promoting Health Among Teens” Abstinence-only curriculum had engaged in sex by the time of the 2-year follow up, compared to half of the students in a control group. The study included 662 at-risk students, who were an average of 12 years old at the beginning of the study. The Jemmotts’ study, published in the “Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine,” is exciting schools and youth health organizations alike while sparking new discussions about Abstinence-only education. The new research, Promoting Health Among Teens, has been widely acknowledged in the press as a “game-changing study” by both comprehensive health advocates and conservative groups alike.

In light of statistics that show nearly half of inner-city youth have had sex by age 13, the Jemmotts spent over a decade doing research through focus groups with at-risk, inner-city young people to delve into their world, understand their attitudes and hear their voices. The “Promoting Health Among Teens” curriculum helps educators facilitate conversations among groups of students, encouraging them to draw their own conclusions about making good choices and how Abstinence can help them reach their personal goals. Abstinence is defined in the intervention as not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

“As health researchers, we wanted to try to extend the effectiveness of our previous study (Spruce, JAMA 1998),” said Dr. John Jemmott. “While much of the Abstinence group intervention was the same, there were a number of key things that were different. We clarified the abstinence only message, we strengthened the personal vulnerability to HIV message, we added teen pregnancy and negotiation activities and we added homework assignments -that required participants to talk to their parents/guardians at home about their future, sex, HIV/STDs, and unplanned pregnancy”

“We were delighted by the results,” continued Dr. Jemmott. “We know that if a 12-year old delays sex for 2 years he or she will not become pregnant, contract an STD or father a pregnancy in that time period. In addition, people who initiate sex at a later age when they are more mature are more likely to be responsible and use condoms and/or other contraception.”

“Our message is always positive that young people can have goals and dreams,” said Dr. Loretta Jemmott, who developed the program. “We get them talking about what they want to do in five and 10 years, and what could get in the way of that. There are no moral opinions and no put downs. The Abstinence message is clear. The curriculum is based on the real voices, thoughts and feelings of the African-American youth it is designed to serve.”

“Even though we use behavior change theories and methods when designing our interventions – we always are sure to be active, fun and engaging with youth so they don’t have the chance to tune out,” said Dr. Loretta Jemmott. “Our youth are our future. This program effectively arms participants with the knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to protect themselves and others against unintended pregnancy, HIV & STDs.”

This is a very lively, exciting curriculum for students that is not a sit down and listen kind of program.  It is very interactive and student-centric.  Features that make it unique from other Abstinence-only programs are providing only medically accurate information, not suggesting abstinence-until-marriage, not making any moral judgments, including teen pregnancy along with HIV and STDs as an unwanted outcome, and homework assignments that involve talking to parents about tough subjects. Students participate in Talking Circles, Brainstorming, and Role-Plays. The program also includes DVD videos, exercises, and games that make learning enjoyable. Most activities are brief and can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes. The information is serious and important, but presented in a way that students can learn together and enjoy themselves. Participants who completed the program in the Jemmotts’ study stated that they had a good time, learned a lot, and would recommend the program to their friends.

In the “Promoting Health Among Teens” Abstinence-only curriculum, students learn about puberty, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV, and pregnancy prevention.   The curriculum has eight hours of content, divided into eight one-hour modules. The learning modules are:  “Getting to Know You and Steps to Making Your Dreams Come True,” “Puberty and Adolescent Sexuality,” “Making Abstinence Work for Me,” “Consequences of Sex: HIV/AIDS,” “Consequences of Sex: STDs,” “Consequences of Sex: Unplanned Pregnancy,” “Improving Sexual Choices and Negotiation,” and “Role-Plays: Refusal and Negotiation Skills.”

About the Authors

Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N, and John B. Jemmott III, PhD., are both internationally renowned researchers and professors at the University of Pennsylvania. Loretta is a professor of nursing and chair of the Center for Health Disparities and John is a professor of communication and specialist in health psychology. They collaborate along with other psychologists and health professionals who are working to stem the rapid spread of HIV among at-risk populations including urban adolescents. The Jemmotts have been working for 15 years to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among inner-city adolescents, have published five “best-evidence” interventions recognized by the CDC as the highest standard of research. Their on-going research efforts continue to achieve national attention.

Learning Objectives

After participating in the curriculum, students will be better able to:

• Recognize Abstinence as the best way to avoid pregnancy and HIV/STDs
• View Abstinence as a positive choice
• Recognize teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STDs as obstacles to their goals and dreams
• Respond with confidence to pressures to have sex

Pricing and Availability

“Promoting Health Among Teens,” which includes a 225-page printed curriculum with activities, student hand-outs, DVD video clips, and posters, is expected to be available this spring for $145 from Select Media. Professional development will be offered as an additional option. Educators will receive 16 to 24 hours of training, depending on their knowledge of HIV/AIDS and adolescent sexuality. For information, call Select Media at 800-707-6334, e-mail info@selectmedia.org, or visit www.selectmedia.org.

About Select Media, Inc.

Select Media, Inc. (www.selectmedia.org), in New York City, NY, has been a pioneer in evidence-based health interventions and culturally targeted media for twenty two years. Its proven-effective products are used by community groups, health departments, schools, government agencies, departments of education, youth groups, and clinics nationwide. Select Media produces, publishes and distributes award-winning and evidence-based programs. Its mission is to create and disseminate materials effective in promoting positive health behaviors among communities at-risk. Curriculum and media materials are based on extensive research conducted by leading researchers in the fields of behavioral health, communication, community and public health.