Significant research has occurred in the field of teen pregnancy, STI, and HIV prevention. Programs and/or curricula have been designed, implemented, and rigorously evaluated that demonstrate they lead to positive behavior changes among participating youth, when compared to youth not participating in the program/curricula.

Positive behavior changes that are directly related to pregnancy, STI, and/or HIV prevention include:

• Postponement or delay of sexual initiation (abstinence)
• Reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourse
• Reduction in the number of sexual partners/increase in monogamy
• Increase in the correct and consistent use of condoms and/or contraception
• Reduction in the incidence of unprotected sex
• Reduction in the number of concurrent sexual partners
• Increase in STI and HIV testing and treatment

Please note effective teen pregnancy, STI, and HIV prevention programs do not directly address alcohol, tobacco, drug use, etc. These behaviors are RISK factors for pregnancy and disease, but do not directly lead to pregnancy or disease. Effective teen pregnancy and disease prevention programs and curricula only change sexual risk taking behaviors (see above bullet list).

Please click here to see fact sheets for effective teen pregnancy, STI, and/or HIV prevention programs