Evaluation of “Big Decisions”: An Abstinence-Plus Sexuality Curriculum

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Big Decisions, a sexuality curriculum developed to promote abstinence, as well as condom and contraceptive use, while overcoming school districts' concern about controversy surrounding sex education. The authors used a pre- and post-test survey design to measure changes in attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions regarding sex, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and condom use. The sample for this analysis included 788 inner-city 9th-grade students, the majority of which (78.4%) were Hispanic. Pre- to posttest data comparisons demonstrated improvement in mean scores for each item, with statistically significant changes for 11 of the 12 items measured. The male participants' pretest responses reflected higher risk status than did those of female participants. A large majority (87.8%) of students rated the program as "great" or "good". The results suggest that Big Decisions provides a promising approach to reaching minority students with both abstinence and risk-reduction messages.

A Comparative Analysis of Mississippi Rural Schools’ Abstinence-Only and Abstinence-Plus Programs

“…These differences between abstinence-only and abstinence-plus students' scores are not surprising because although both programs teach abstinence, abstinence-plus programs also included material on pregnancy, HIV, STIs, and contraceptives (Masters et al, 2008). Furthermore, several previous studies (Kirby, 2008;Lindberg & Maddow-Zimet, 2012;Masters et al 2008;Realini et al, 2010) have reported results that were consistent with the current findings.…”

“…Several researchers have studied the influence of abstinence-plus programs on teenagers' sexual health and some studies on the effectiveness of these programs have shown some positive results (Kirby, 2008;Kohler, Manhart, & Lafferty, 2008;Realini et al, 2010). Abstinence-plus advocates report that these programs can delay teenagers' initiation of sexual activities and increase contraceptive use (Kirby, 2008).…”

“…Those advocates indicate that abstinence-plus programs are effective more often than abstinence-only programs (Kirby, 2008). Nevertheless, even though several abstinence-plus programs have been effective, most United States schools continue to use abstinence-only programs (Lindberg, Santelli, & Singh, 2006;Realini et al, 2010).…”

The global school-based student health survey as a tool to guide adolescent health interventions in rural Guatemala

“…Finally, to address high prevalence of sexual activity and early initiation, a sexual education program (adapted Big Decisions®, [34]) is being introduced in the middle and high schools in these communities. The southwest Trifinio schools historically have had no reproductive and sexual health curriculum despite the national policy agreement by the Ministry of Education that introduced the Integrated Strategy of Sexual Education and Violence Prevention in 2010.…”

Sexual Goals, Plans, and Actions: Toward a Sexual Script Emerging Adults Use to Delay or Abstain from Sexual Intercourse

“…In sum, this study identifies message strategies used by emerging adults to abstain from or delay sexual intercourse and shows the outcomes of those strategies. The communicative actions employed during these interactions can be included in intervention programs, aimed at encouraging abstinence or safe sex practices (Realini, Buzi, Smith, & Martinez, 2010).…”