Re-CAPP "Evidence-Based Programs" Selection Criteria

For inclusion in ReCAPP’s “Evidence-Based Programs” section, an adolescent pregnancy prevention program is evaluated using the two sets of criteria: program design / content and evaluation design / outcomes. The program and evaluation criteria listed below are stringent. Few programs will meet all criteria, thereby reserving “Evidence-Based Programs” as a gold standard category.

Program Criteria:

1. The intervention is an educational program that:

·        is based upon theoretical approaches that have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing health-related risky behaviors.

·        uses multiple learning activities and strategies; and

·        lasts sufficient time to meet program goals and objectives.

2.  The intervention’s content areas are factually correct and include at least one of
      the following:  pregnancy prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, or STI prevention.

3.  The intervention provides skill-building opportunities and practices.

4.  The intervention portrays human sexuality as a healthy and normal part of life,
     and is not derogatory or discriminatory against gender, race, ethnicity, or
     sexual orientation.

5.  The study population is school-age youth, in particular those of middle school
      through high school ages.

Evaluation Criteria:

1.  For high school level, the study must measure risk behaviors or health
     outcomes, not just knowledge and attitudes. Outcomes must include at
     least one of the following:

·        a delay of the initiation of sexual intercourse

·        a reduction in the number of sexual partners

·        a reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourse

·        a decrease in pregnancy rate

·        a decrease in newly reported cases of an STI

·        an increase in the use of condoms