Adapting a Sexual Health Intervention for Adolescents Exposed to Household Challenges: A Pilot Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.72782
• Publication Date: 2025-03-20T04:10:06Z
• Authors: Terrinieka Powell; Bianca D Smith; Naya Moser; Olivia Kachingwe; Quiana Lewis Wallace; Asari Offiong; Andrea Hwang; Emily Davie; Ashleigh LoVette
• Keywords: Preprint

<sec> <title>UNSTRUCTURED</title> Youth exposed to household challenges (i.e., parental substance use, incarceration, and mental illness) are among the groups most vulnerable sexual risk-taking in adolescence. To address needs of this group, pilot study assessed feasibility participant recruitment retention, engagement, initial efficacy an adapted version Focus on with Informed Parents Children Together (FOY+ImPACT) for Black youth challenges. Participants were recruited using school community presentations, digital flyers, referrals. completed three assessments: baseline, post-test 3-month follow-up. Sixty-one (ages 13-16) randomized either intervention or control condition (n = 33 28, respectively). Eighty-six percent participants all assessments. There was high 80% sample (N 49) attending at least sessions 75% stating they would recommend a friend. Among those who reported having any type sex, 100% abstained from alcohol 67% drug use before sex. The group significantly increased their health knowledge. No changes behaviors partner communication observed. Findings suggest that FOY+ImPACT adaptation merits further study. </sec>