(238) Reducing Sexual Risk Among Youth Through a Pharmacy Implemented Evidence-Based Curriculum

Objective : Making a Difference (MAD) is an evidence-based, 8-module curriculum that provides adolescents with the skills necessary to reduce their risk of sexual consequences. The study's purpose was to implement a pharmacy-led initiative promoting safer sexual practices amongst adolescents using the MAD curriculum.

Methods: One pharmacist and 3 pharmacy students implemented the MAD curriculum at two afterschool programs. Twenty-four modular lessons were covered in the curriculum including self-esteem, personal boundaries, STDs, HIV, pregnancy, and the benefits of both sex and abstinence. Changes in a 5-point Likert pre- and post-curriculum was used to determine program efficacy. Survey questions assessed participant’s likelihood to perform risky behaviors, decision making, and ability to seek help. Descriptive statistics and a paired student T-test (alpha = 0.05) were used.

Results: Fifty-one youth completed the program with an average age of 12±0.71 years. Forty-six students were African-American and 6 were Caucasian, the majority of whom were female (68.6%). All participants reported interest in the program and 50 youth (98.0%) felt that the activities helped them learn program lessons. Afterwards, all participants understood what made a relationship healthy (P = 0.02) and 96% reported they could resist sexual pressures (P = 0.04). All participants were more likely to talk to an adult if their partner made them uncomfortable (P = 0.04). The majority stated that they were able to manage their emotions in healthy ways (92.1%) and think about the consequences before making decisions (98.0%).

Conclusions: The MAD curriculum taught by pharmacy staff has some positive effects in educating adolescents about sexual behavior in relationships. Further studies should be done to assess the long-term impact of the intervention in reducing the consequences related to unsafe sexual practices.