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Promoting Health Among Teens! Abstinence-Only Intervention

Developers

Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., John B. Jemmott III, Ph.D., and Konstance McCaffree, Ph.D.

Program Summary

Promoting Health Among Teens! Abstinence-Only (PHAT-AO) is an eight hour abstinence-only HIV/STD- and pregnancy-prevention intervention for adolescents. The interactive and student-centric curriculum is designed to teach participants about puberty, HIV/STDs, and pregnancy prevention, and building refusal and negotiation skills, with a focus on abstinence as the best method for avoiding infection and pregnancy.

Intended Population

The program was designed for and evaluated with African American youth ages 11 to 14 in urban school settings. It has been adapted for use with other racial/ethnic populations and older youth up to age 18, and has also been evaluated with 6th and 7th grade Latino youth.

Program Setting

The program was designed for various community settings for small groups of youth in an urban setting (although it can be adapted for larger groups and non-urban settings). It was evaluated in after-school, community-based settings.

Contact and Availability Information

Program Contact Information
Email: sales@etr.org
Phone: (800) 321-4407
Website: https://www.etr.org/ebi/programs/promoting-health-among-teens-abstinence-only/

Training Contact Information
Kelly Gainor, M.Ed.
ebptraining@etr.org
Website: https://www.etr.org/ebi/programs/promoting-health-among-teens-abstinence-only/

Sample of Curriculum Available for Review Prior to Purchase

Yes

Languages Available

English

Monitoring and Evaluation Tools

Monitoring and evaluation tools available

Yes

Monitoring and evaluation tool usage required

Information about available monitoring and evaluation tools (if applicable)

Promoting Health Among Teens! Abstinence Only provides fidelity logs and pre- and post-tests.

Program Components and Core Components

Last updated in 2024

The data presented on this page reflect responses from the program’s developer or distributor to a program component checklist that asked them to report on the individual components within their TPP program. The same program component checklist was sent to the developer or distributor of every active TPP program with evidence of effectiveness. The program component table provides information on seven types of program components including content, delivery mechanism, dosage, staffing, format, context, and intended population characteristics; whether the component was present or optional in the program; whether the component is considered to be core to the program; and the lesson number or activity where the component can be found in the program. In the drop-down menu below, under “Has component,” there are four options that indicate a component as present in the program: (1) “Yes” indicates that the component is present in at least one version of the program (whether that be the program version that was evaluated, the current version, or both versions); (2) “Yes (both versions)” indicates that the component is present in both the evaluated version of the program and the current version of the program; (3) “Yes (current version)” indicates that the component is present in the current, but not the evaluated, version of the program; and (4) “Yes (evaluated version)” indicates that the component is present in the evaluated version of the program, only. Note that for dosage components, the only possible response option was “Yes”, and the dosage is described in the Notes when available. For more details, refer to the FAQ. Some of the components identified are noted as core components of the evidence-based program, but this does not necessarily mean that these components have been rigorously tested and show evidence of effectiveness. Most often developers denoted components as core based on theory or experience in the field. Click here for the list of evidence-based components.

Category	Component	Core Component	Component present	Lesson number(s) / activities where present
Content	Boundary setting/refusal skills	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 2, Activity D (85)
Content	Child development		No
Content	Communication skills	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 12, Activity A (285)
Content	Conflict resolution/social problem solving	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 12, Activity A (285)
Content	Connections with trusted adults	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 4, Activity D (119)
Content	Cultural values	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 9, Activity E (230)
Content	Gender identity		No
Content	Gender roles		No
Content	Leadership		No
Content	Normative beliefs	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 9, Activity E (230)
Content	Parenting skills		No
Content	Social competence		No
Content	Social influence/actual vs. perceived social norms	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 1, Activity E (49)
Content	Social support/capital		No
Content	Identity development		No
Content	Morals/values	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 9, Activity E (230)
Content	Spirituality		No
Content	Volunteering/civic engagement		No
Content	Other
Content	Other
Content	Other
Delivery mechanism	Method: Text message		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Anonymous question box		Optional
Delivery mechanism	Method: Artistic expression		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Assessment/survey		Optional
Delivery mechanism	Method: Booster session		Optional
Delivery mechanism	Method: Case management		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Demonstration	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Throughout
Delivery mechanism	Method: Discussion/debrief	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Throughout
Delivery mechanism	Method: Family session		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Game	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 5, Activity D (147)
Delivery mechanism	Method: Home visiting		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Homework assignment	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 4, Activity D (119)
Delivery mechanism	Method: In-session assignment	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Throughout
Delivery mechanism	Method: Introduction	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 1, Activity C (41)
Delivery mechanism	Method: Lecture		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Motivational interviewing		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Music		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Parent-focused activity	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 4, Activity D (119)
Delivery mechanism	Method: Peer-to-peer		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Public service announcement		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Reading	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Throughout
Delivery mechanism	Method: Role play/Practice	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 12, Activity A (285)
Delivery mechanism	Method: Self-guided activity		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Service learning		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Slide show		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Social media		No
Delivery mechanism	Method: Spiral learning	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Throughout
Delivery mechanism	Method: Storytelling	Yes	Yes (both versions)	Module 4, Activity B (112)

Program Objectives

PHAT-AO seeks to reduce HIV/STD infection and pregnancy risk behaviors among adolescents by teaching participants correct information about puberty, HIV/STDs, and abstinence-only strategies. Participants are taught that abstinence is a positive choice and is the best strategy to avoid pregnancy and HIV/STDs. The program aims to help participants build negotiation, refusal, and problem solving skills for practicing abstinence.

Program Content

PHAT-AO is based on Social-Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. The program's core components consist of eight modules that cover general information about puberty, sex, the consequences of sex, abstinence, the benefits of abstinence, as well as specific negotiation and refusal skill-building strategies to practice abstinence.

Module 1: “Getting to Know You and Steps to Making Your Dreams and Goals Come True” provides an introduction to the curriculum, sets up the theme of proud and responsible behavior, and asks participants to identify short-term and long-term goals and dreams.
Module 2: “Puberty and Adolescent Sexuality” provides an overview of reproductive anatomy, discusses messages about sex, discusses how people express themselves sexually, and the benefits of abstinence.
Module 3: “Making Abstinence Work for Me” includes activities that explore attitudes toward abstinence and problem solving skills to address partner pressure.
Module 4: “The Consequences of Sex: HIV/AIDS” consists of information on HIV etiology, transmission and prevention. At the end of this session, participants are given a homework assignment where they are to discuss the first four modules with a trusted adult.
Module 5: “The Consequences of Sex: STD Infection” consists of a review of the homework assignment followed by activities that teach information about STD etiology, types, transmission and prevention.
Module 6: “The Consequences of Sex: Pregnancy” consists of activities that teach knowledge about pregnancy and prevention, as well as how to respond to peer pressure.
Module 7: “Improving Sexual Choices & Negotiation” consists of interactive activities that address participants’ problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Module 8: “Role Plays: Refusal and Negotiation Skills” has activities for participants to further practice refusal and address partner and peer pressure.

Program Methods

The program is delivered through group discussion, brainstorming, role play, videos/DVDs, modeling, practice, and homework.

Program Structure and Timeline

PHAT-AO consists of eight 1-hour or nine 45-minute (school edition) sessions delivered to groups of six to ten youth. The program can be delivered to larger groups as long as additional facilitators are used.

Staffing

Facilitators should be well-trained in the model and have experience working with teens and using participatory and interactive methods. The staffing model is flexible, but should consist of one facilitator for 8 to 10 youth and support staff to assist when implementing the program in larger class settings.

Staff Training

It is highly recommended that educators who plan to teach Promoting Health Among Teens! receive research-based professional development to prepare them to effectively implement and replicate the curriculum with fidelity for the intended target group.

Training on Promoting Health Among Teens! is available through ETR's Professional Learning Services. Visit http://www.etr.org/ebi/training-ta/types-of-services/training-of-educators/ for more information or submit a Training & TA Request Form (http://www.etr.org/solutions/professional-development/training-ta-request-form/).

Program Materials and Resources

ETR offers an Implementation Kit that includes the following resources:

Facilitator Curriculum
Activity Set (hand-outs, role-plays, posters)
Four curriculum DVDs: Tanisha & Shay, The Subject Is: HIV (Abstinence-Only), The Subject Is: STDs (Abstinence-Only), The Subject Is: Puberty (Abstinence-Only)
Student workbooks (classroom set of 30)

The distributor also provides access to a table of contents and sample lesson on their website: http://www.etr.org/ebi/programs/promoting-health-among-teens-abstinence-only/

Additional Needs for Implementation

The program requires the use of audiovisual equipment for viewing DVDs.

Fidelity

All curriculum modules are required and must be completed in order. Monitoring and evaluation tools, such as fidelity checklists to be completed by facilitators and a logic model, and additional adaptation guidance can be found on ETR’s Program Success Center website: http://www.etr.org/ebi/programs/promoting-health-among-teens-abstinence-only/

Technical Assistance and Ongoing Support

ETR provides in-person and web- or phone-based technical assistance before, during and/or after program implementation. TA is tailored to the needs of the site and is designed to support quality assurance, trouble-shoot adaptation issues, and boost implementation. Contact ETR’s Professional Learning Services through the Program Support Help Desk (https://programsupport.etr.org/) or visit http://www.etr.org/ebi/training-ta/.

Allowable Adaptations

The developer has noted several allowable adaptations:

The eight modules can be delivered in different ways (e.g. two modules per day for four days, one module per day for eight days). The entire intervention should be completed within two weeks.
The program can be used with youth older than 14, as long as the group sessions are separated by age.
Groups can be larger than 6 to 10 youth as long as additional facilitators are used.
Groups can be single gender or mixed gender.
Facilitators of different ethnic and professional backgrounds are appropriate, so long as the facilitators have strong facilitation skills and experience working with teens.
Peer educators are allowed, as long as they are paired with an adult.
If integrating the curriculum into the school classrooms and not having enough time to implement the program, providers should consider using the Promoting Health Among Teens! In School Curriculum version. It is divided into shorter sessions, but maintains the fidelity of the curriculum.
Teens of different racial and ethnic groups may participate.
Changing the names and settings of the situations in the role plays to reflect the culture of the participants is appropriate.

Adaptation Guidelines or Kit

Reviewed Studies

Citation	High-Quality Randomized Trial	Moderate-Quality Randomized Trial	Moderate-Quality Quasi-Experiment	Low Study Rating	Did Not Meet Eligibility Criteria
Jemmott et al. 2010	✓
Walker et al. 2016	✓

Study Characteristics

Citation	Setting	Majority Age Group	Majority Racial/Ethnic Group	Gender	Sample Size
Jemmott et al. 2010	After school	13 or younger	African American or Black	Youth of any gender	268
Walker et al. 2016	After school	13 or younger	Hispanic or Latinx of any race	Youth of any gender	1319

Study Findings

Evidence by Outcome Domain and Study

Citation	Sexual Activity	Number of Sexual Partners	Contraceptive Use	STIs or HIV	Pregnancy
Jemmott et al. 2010				n.a.	n.a.
Walker et al. 2016		n.a.	n.a.	n.a.	n.a.

KEY

Evidence Indication

Favorable findings

Potentially favorable findings

Indeterminate findings

Conflicting findings

Potentially unfavorable findings

Unfavorable findings

Note: n.a. indicates the study did not examine any outcome measures within that particular outcome domain, or the study examined outcome measures within that domain but the findings did not meet the review evidence standards.

Detailed Findings

Citation Details

Citation	Details
Jemmott et al. 2010	The study evaluated the program with a randomized controlled trial involving middle school students in a low-income African American community in the northeastern United States. Adolescents participating in the study were randomly assigned to either a control group that received an 8-hour general health-promotion program, or to one of four treatment groups, each receiving one of the following interventions: (1) an 8-hour abstinence-only intervention; (2) an 8-hour safer sex-only intervention; (3) an 8-hour comprehensive abstinence and safer sex intervention; or (4) a 12-hour comprehensive abstinence and safer sex intervention. The study administered surveys immediately before the intervention (baseline) and at follows-ups conducted 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after baseline. The effectiveness of each intervention was assessed relative to the control group. The study found that averaged across the five follow-up periods, adolescents assigned to the PHAT-AO group were statistically significantly less likely than those in the control group to report having had sexual intercourse in the previous three months. In addition, adolescents assigned to the PHAT-AO group who were sexually inexperienced at baseline were statistically significantly less likely to report having initiated sexual intercourse. The study found no statistically significant program impacts on the likelihood of having multiple sexual partners or unprotected intercourse in the past three months. The study also examined program impacts on consistency of condom use. Findings for this measure were not considered for the review because they did not meet the review evidence standards. Specifically, findings were reported only for subgroups of youth defined by sexual activity at follow up.
Walker et al. 2016	A more recent study by a separate group of researchers evaluated PHAT-AO using a randomized controlled trial that involved 1,319 adolescents attending 6th and 7th grades in public schools in Yonkers, New York. Adolescents participating in the study were randomly assigned either to a treatment group that received the 8-module PHAT-AO program or a control group that received a general health curriculum, the Promoting Health Among Teens! Health Intervention. Surveys were administered before random assignment (baseline), and again three, six, and 12 months after the end of the program. At each of the three follow-ups, the study found no evidence of statistically significant program impacts on the likelihood of ever having sex among the subgroup of adolescents who were sexually inexperienced at baseline.

Jemmott et al. 2010

The study evaluated the program with a randomized controlled trial involving middle school students in a low-income African American community in the northeastern United States. Adolescents participating in the study were randomly assigned to either a control group that received an 8-hour general health-promotion program, or to one of four treatment groups, each receiving one of the following interventions: (1) an 8-hour abstinence-only intervention; (2) an 8-hour safer sex-only intervention; (3) an 8-hour comprehensive abstinence and safer sex intervention; or (4) a 12-hour comprehensive abstinence and safer sex intervention. The study administered surveys immediately before the intervention (baseline) and at follows-ups conducted 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after baseline. The effectiveness of each intervention was assessed relative to the control group.

The study found that averaged across the five follow-up periods, adolescents assigned to the PHAT-AO group were statistically significantly less likely than those in the control group to report having had sexual intercourse in the previous three months. In addition, adolescents assigned to the PHAT-AO group who were sexually inexperienced at baseline were statistically significantly less likely to report having initiated sexual intercourse. The study found no statistically significant program impacts on the likelihood of having multiple sexual partners or unprotected intercourse in the past three months.

The study also examined program impacts on consistency of condom use. Findings for this measure were not considered for the review because they did not meet the review evidence standards. Specifically, findings were reported only for subgroups of youth defined by sexual activity at follow up.

Walker et al. 2016

A more recent study by a separate group of researchers evaluated PHAT-AO using a randomized controlled trial that involved 1,319 adolescents attending 6th and 7th grades in public schools in Yonkers, New York. Adolescents participating in the study were randomly assigned either to a treatment group that received the 8-module PHAT-AO program or a control group that received a general health curriculum, the Promoting Health Among Teens! Health Intervention. Surveys were administered before random assignment (baseline), and again three, six, and 12 months after the end of the program.

At each of the three follow-ups, the study found no evidence of statistically significant program impacts on the likelihood of ever having sex among the subgroup of adolescents who were sexually inexperienced at baseline.

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Promoting Health Among Teens! Abstinence-Only Intervention

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