Effects of a Sexual Risk Reduction Program for African-American Adolescents on Social Cognitive Antecedents of Behavior Change

Objectives: To identify social cognitive outcomes relevant to a specific adolescent sexual risk reduction intervention, and to examine the program's impact on these. Methods: A randomized control trial involving 763 adolescents (recruited during 2012-2014) who were randomly assigned to either an 8-session general health intervention (control) or an 8-session sexual risk reduction intervention (treatment). Seven social cognitive outcomes were identified and assessed post-program using ordinary least squares regression. Results: Post-program, the treatment group exhibited greater knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions related to safer sex practices. No differences in attitudes toward abstinence, peer norms, or perceived vulnerability. Conclusions: Results are promising, though insignificant results may diminish the program's behavioral impact. More research is needed to determine the extent to which outcomes are related to short and long term risk behaviors.