Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Science-Based Approach?
A Science-Based Approach includes the following:
- Using demographic, epidemiological and social science research to
identify populations at risk of early pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted
infections, and to identify the risk and protective factors for those
populations.
- Using health behavior or health education theory for selecting risk
and protective factors that will be addressed by the program, and
guide the selection of intervention activities.
- Using a logic model to link risk and protective factors with program
strategies and outcomes.
- Conducting process and outcome evaluation of the implemented program,
and modifying approach based on results.
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What is a Science-Based Program?
Science-Based Programs are programs or curricula that have been rigourisly
evaluated using an experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation design
and resulted in at least one of the following among adolescents:
- reducing STI and HIV infection
- Delaying sexual initiation
- Reducing the frequency of sexual intercourse
- Reducing the number of sexual partners
- Increasing the use of condoms and other contraceptives
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What is a Promising Program?
Promising Programs have been implemented and subjected to some
evaluation showing positive outcomes in preventing teen pregnancy and
related behaviors. However, they have not yet been sufficiently evaluated
and/or had consistently positive outcomes required for science-based
status. Nonetheless, Promising Programs are eligible to be elevated
to science-based status once additional research regarding program effectiveness
is completed. The hope is that promising programs, through additional
refinement and evaluation, will evolve into science-based programs.
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What are some examples of Science-Based Programs for teen pregnancy
prevention?
A number of organizations have developed summaries regarding the
different science-based approaches. The National Campaign to Prevent
Teen Pregnancy has created one document that outlines a variety of SBA
and details the positive outcomes each program has displayed. This booklet,
What Works, can be found at: http://www.teenpregnancy.org/resources/reading/pdf/what_works.pdf
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Why should I choose a Science-Based Program?
There are many reasons why organizations choose to implement the programs.
Some of the main reasons include:
- Science-based programs have been proven to be effective among
multiple populations in different settings over time to change behavior.
These programs work!
- Funders look to support programs that have a maximum return on
their dollars.
- Increasingly, funders are becoming aware of the value of using
rigorously evaluated programs and are likely to request that grantees
use science-based programs and practices.
- Using research-proven programs is a more efficient use of limited
resources.
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