Study Details

Citation

Tortolero, S. R., Markham, C. M., Fleschler Peskin, M., Shegog, R., Addy, R. C., Escobar-Chavez, S. L., et al. (2009). It's Your Game: Keep It Real: Delaying sexual behavior with an effective middle school program. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(2), 1-11.

Program or Component Study?
Program
Program or Component Name

It's Your Game: Keep It Real (IYG)

Show Evidence of Effectiveness
Yes
Study Rating and Explanation
Moderate —

Random assignment study with high attrition that that did not meet the criteria for a high rating but met all criteria for a moderate rating; findings show a positive, statistically significant impact for at least one behavioral outcome

Program Information

Program Type
Sexual health education
Program Length
More than 20 sessions

Evaluation Setting

Evaluation Setting
In school: Middle school

Study Sample

Average Age Group
13 or younger
Majority Racial/Ethnic Group
Hispanic or Latinx of any race
Gender
Youth of any gender

Research Design

Assignment Method
Cluster randomized controlled trial
Sample Size

3007

Number of Follow-Ups

2

Length of Last Follow-Up

12

Year of Last Data Collection
2007

Study Findings

Result Sexual Activity
Potentially favorable evidence
Reviewed Studies
Moderate-Quality Randomized Trial
Protocol Version
Version 1.0
Details

The program's evidence of effectiveness was first established in a cluster randomized trial involving ten middle schools in Southeast Texas. Five schools were randomly selected to implement the two-year program in 7th and 8th grades. Five other schools were randomly selected for a control group that continued its regular health classes.

The study found that, a year after the program ended, in spring of 9th grade, students in the treatment schools were significantly less likely to report having initiated sexual activity (odds ratio = 0.78, confidence interval = 0.61 to 0.98). The study also examined program impacts on measures of contraceptive use and number of sexual partners. Findings for these outcomes 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.