Evaluating a community saturation model of abstinence education: an application of social marketing strategies

Health Mark Q. 2009 Jan-Mar;26(1):27-41. doi: 10.1080/07359680802473372.

Abstract

This study examines a community saturation program, a social marketing strategy, promoting abstinence education and evaluates the effects of this strategy on adolescents' attitudes and sexual behaviors. The study also examines components of the strategy to determine which program element was most influential. The Worth the Wait program was implemented in five counties in Texas beginning in 1999 for the first county and in 2000 and 2001 for the other four counties. A total of 2007 students in grades 7 through 12 were tracked and answered an end-of-the-year post-program survey after varying time periods of school program participation. Results indicate that a saturation program can be effective in reducing teen pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Organizational
  • Program Evaluation
  • Sex Education*
  • Sexual Abstinence*
  • Social Marketing*
  • Texas