Impacts of Re:MIX—A School‐Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Incorporating Young Parent Coeducators. (22nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manlove, Jennifer; Welti, Kate; Whitfield, Brooke; Faccio, Bianca; Finocharo, Jane; Ciaravino, Samantha
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 91:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 915
• Page End: 927
• Publication Date: 2021-09-22
• Subjects: teen pregnancy -- evaluation -- adolescent health -- sex education -- Latinx youth; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.13078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Latinx adolescents are at increased risk of teen pregnancy. This study evaluates the impact of Re:MIX, a comprehensive sexuality education program cofacilitated by professional health educators paired with young parent educators implemented with primarily Latinx youth in Texas. METHODS: A cluster randomized trial was conducted with students in grades 8‐10 in 57 classrooms across three schools. Students completed baseline, post‐test, and long‐term follow‐up surveys to determine the impact of the program on behavioral outcomes—sexual experience and unprotected sex—and on mediating factors including intentions, attitudes, knowledge, and self‐efficacy related to sexual activity and contraception. RESULTS: Re:MIX was implemented with fidelity and educators were well‐received. At post‐test, compared to control students, Re:MIX students were more likely to intend to use hormonal or long‐acting contraceptive methods if they had sex, had greater reproductive health knowledge, had more confidence in their ability to ask for and give consent, and were more likely to know where to obtain contraception. Most findings were sustained at the long‐term follow‐up, but there were no impacts on behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation and impact findings highlight the promising approach of pairing young parent educators with experienced health educators for teen pregnancy prevention among Latinx students.