An Evaluation of Achieving Condom Empowerment (ACE)-Plus in Foster Care Agencies in New York City. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herrling, Scott; Hirsch, Heather
• Is Part Of: American journal of sexuality education. Volume 17:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Condom use -- foster care youth -- males -- communication -- partners; Sex instruction -- Periodicals; 613.9071
• DOI: 10.1080/15546128.2021.1959473
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-6128

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To test the ACE-Plus curriculum, a two-session program that teaches males in foster care and/or preventive services about correct and consistent condom use, and engagement with female partners to obtain and use contraception. Methods: Nine foster care agencies in New York City randomly assigned 223 males aged 16–20 to the ACE-Plus intervention or a benign program. Youth completed surveys at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 9-month follow-up. Regression analyses assessed the effects of program participation on condom use, use of hormonal birth control method, use of birth control by female sex partner(s), obtaining birth control with a sex partner(s), and communication about birth control with a sex partner(s). Results: At 3-month follow-up, treatment youth were significantly more likely than control youth to report communicating with their sexual partner(s) about birth control ( p = .0062). While not statistically significant, treatment youth were more likely to report obtaining birth control with a sex partner(s) than control youth at 3-month follow-up. Impact estimates for the remaining behavioral outcomes favored the control group, though not significantly. Implementation data suggest the program was delivered with fidelity. Conclusion: Based on these mixed results, perhaps more developmental research into this short-duration intervention for this high-needs population is necessary.