An Evaluation of Pono Choices: A Culturally Responsive Teen Pregnancy and STI Prevention Program

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact Pono Choices has among youth for teen pregnancy and STI prevention measures such as: initiation of sexual activity; engagement in high risk sexual behaviors; knowledge of pregnancy and STI prevention; attitudes toward healthy sexual behaviors; skills in managing relationships and choices; and intentions about future sexual activity.

The study used a cluster randomized controlled design to evaluate the impact of Pono Choices. Thirty-six middle schools in Hawaii were randomly assigned to participate as either a treatment or control school. Treatment school teachers were trained to deliver Pono Choices. Control school teachers did not receive training and chose their own middle school sexual health education curricula.

Over 1,700 7th and 8th grade students in 34 Hawaii schools enrolled into the study. As part of the study, students were invited to participate in baseline and follow-up surveys. The student survey responses were used to determine the impact Pono Choices has on teen pregnancy and STI prevention measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cluster level: Schools with grades 7 and 8 in Hawaii
• Person level: Students with parent consent and who read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cluster level: Public middle schools which included grade 6
• Person level: Students who did not provide written assent