Program Objectives
The primary goal of Positive Prevention PLUS is to address risk factors and behaviors associated with unplanned teen pregnancy by increasing an adolescent's ability to use risk-reduction skills. The program seeks to teach adolescents to either abstain from sexual activity or use birth control when engaging in sexual activity by building or enhancing:
- Knowledge of the consequences of teen pregnancy and risk situations, contraception and health services
- Self-efficacy to use birth control and condoms
- Parent-adolescent communication
- Refusal skills
- Positive attitudes toward abstinence
Program Content
Positive Prevention PLUS is based on Social Cognitive Theory. The lesson topics consist of:
- Getting started: classroom ground rules, vocabulary, and changes during puberty
- Life planning
- Exploring friendships and other relationships
- Bullying and relationship abuse
- Preventing unplanned pregnancies (contraception)
- Teen pregnancy: choices and responsibilities
- Myths and stereotypes regarding persons with HIV
- HIV and AIDS
- Preventing sexually transmitted infections
- Risk recognition and risk reduction
- Media and peer pressure
- Accessing community services
- Setting goals
Program Methods
Positive Prevention PLUS is delivered through: 1) direct instruction using teacher slides (provided); 2) normative discussion via large group and small group activities; 3) resistance and negation skills practice; and 4) student workbooks with daily assignments to be completed with a parent or trusted adult.