The Effect of a Youth-Centered Sexual Risk Event History Calendar (SREHC) Assessment on Sexual Risk Attitudes, Intentions, and Behavior

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a youth-centered assessment, the Sexual Risk Event History Calendar (SREHC), compared with the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) assessment, on sexual risk attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. MethodsThe Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior guided this participatory research-based randomized control trial. Youth participants recruited from university and community clinics in the Midwestern United States were randomized to a health care provider visit using either the SREHC or GAPS and completed surveys at baseline, postintervention, and 3, 6, and 12 months. ResultsParticipants included 181 youth (15–25 years old) and nine providers. Findings showed that youth in the SREHC group reported stronger intentions to use condoms compared with those in the GAPS group. Age and race were also significant predictors of sexual experience. DiscussionThis study highlights the importance of using a youth-centered, systematic approach in the assessment of sexual risk behaviors.