Effects of a teenage pregnancy prevention program in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Taylor, M.; Jinabhai, C.; Dlamini, S.; Sathiparsad, R.; Eggers, M.S.; De Vries, H.
Health Care for Women International 35(7-9): 845-858
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 24750172 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2014.910216Document Number: 624580
Researchers aimed to determine the effects of a teenage pregnancy (TP) prevention program for 816 high school students attending 16 KwaZulu-Natal, South African schools through a randomized control trial. Data were collected at baseline and at the 8-month follow-up in 2009. Results were calculated using multivariate analyses of program effects employing Mplus 6, and indicated significantly healthier attitudes, including intentions to abstain from sex whilst at school, plans to communicate with partners about teenage pregnancy, and increased reports of condom use. Researchers thus provide some support for the effectiveness of a TP prevention program that should be further strengthened in a comprehensive approach that includes schools and families.