Teen Talk Program for Sexual Health Education

(TTHSR Trial)

Overseen By Pamela J Drake, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: ETR Associates

Disqualifiers: Under 16, Over 19, Insufficient English

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a sexual health education program for high school juniors and seniors in rural communities. The goal is to determine if a 5-hour booster course, called the Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR), helps students make safer sexual health decisions, such as using condoms or birth control, compared to regular school health classes. It is ideal for 11th and 12th graders seeking to improve their sexual health knowledge and skills. Participants should belong to a group selected by their school and possess sufficient English skills to engage in the program. As an unphased trial, this study provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their sexual health knowledge and skills in a supportive environment.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely, as the study focuses on sexual health education rather than medical treatment.

What prior data suggests that the Teen Talk High School Refresher program is safe?

Research has shown that the Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) is a well-received program that helps older high school students make informed choices about their sexual health. The program covers key topics like preventing HIV and STDs and aims to increase students' confidence in using healthcare services.

The program involves no physical treatments—only learning. Consequently, there are no reports of negative physical effects. Acting as a "booster," it reinforces students' existing knowledge about sexual health, making it safe and supportive, especially for those in rural areas with limited access to these resources.

In summary, TTHSR is an educational program, and studies have shown it to be safe for students to join. The focus is on teaching, not medical treatment, so there are no health risks involved. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) because it offers a fresh approach to sexual health education. Unlike the typical classroom lessons, this program is a 5-session "booster" designed to reinforce and expand on what students have already learned. It's interactive and tailored specifically for high school students, making the material more engaging and relevant. This method aims to improve knowledge retention and encourage healthier decision-making among teens.

What evidence suggests that the Teen Talk High School Refresher is effective for improving sexual health education in rural high school students?

Research has shown that the Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) program, which participants in this trial may receive, helps high school students make informed choices about their sexual health. Early results suggest that TTHSR can enhance students' understanding of sexual health and increase their confidence in managing it. The program includes lessons that encourage students to reflect on their values and provides clear guidelines for understanding various cultural perspectives. Although a detailed study has not yet been conducted, the program has shown promise in similar school settings. This potential makes it a valuable tool for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among teens in rural areas. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Pamela J Drake, PhD

Principal Investigator

ETR Associates

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The trial is for high school students aged 16 to 19 in rural areas, specifically those in the 11th and 12th grades who have sufficient English skills. Participants will be from schools that choose a class or group mostly comprising these grades to take part in the study for two years.

Inclusion Criteria

My school is participating in a study for 2 years and has chosen a group I'm in.

I am part of a specific group identified by my school.

I can speak and understand English well enough to participate.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Students receive the Teen Talk High School Refresher, a 5-session SHE 'booster' program

5 hours

5 sessions (in-person)

6-Month Follow-up

Participants are surveyed to assess the impact of the intervention on sexual health behaviors and self-efficacy

6 months post-baseline

Survey (in-person or online)

12-Month Follow-up

Participants are surveyed to assess long-term impact of the intervention on sexual health behaviors

12 months post-baseline

Survey (in-person or online)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR)

Trial Overview The Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) program is being tested against standard sexual health education. It's a 'booster' intervention designed to reinforce safe sex practices and prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs among older high school students.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: TTHSR Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Intervention: Students in schools in this group will receive the Teen Talk High School Refresher, a 5-session SHE "booster" program

Group II: Comparison Active Control 1 Intervention

"Business-as-usual" control: Students in schools in this group will receive their school's normal classroom teaching

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

ETR Associates

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14

Recruited

12,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review highlights the importance of integrating comprehensive health education for adolescents regarding contraception, STI prevention, and HPV vaccination during initial consultations, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and informed choices.

Contraceptive counseling should prioritize the use of condoms alongside regular contraceptive methods to effectively prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies, while also considering the specific needs and health conditions of teenage patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Contraception for adolescent : CNGOF Contraception guidelines]. Pienkowski, C., Cartault, A.[2019]

The Safer Choices intervention is a comprehensive program aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors among high school students to prevent HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, involving multiple stakeholders like school staff, parents, and community members.

The program includes various components such as curriculum development, peer education, and parent education, all designed to create a supportive school environment and promote protective behaviors among adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safer Choices: a multicomponent school-based HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention program for adolescents. Coyle, K., Kirby, D., Parcel, G., et al.[2004]

Citations

1. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/teen-talk-high-school-refresher-rigorous-evaluation

Teen Talk High School Refresher Rigorous Evaluation (TTHSR) The Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) is a sexual health education "booster" program for older high school students attending school in ...

2. ospi.k12.wa.us ospi.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/2023-10/teentalk.pdf

Teen Talk HS Refresher Teen Talk includes an effective values clarification lesson, detailed guidelines on how to answer student questions, and embedded inclusion of diverse cultures.

3. chna9.org chna9.org/338/Teen-Talk

Teen Talk Teen Talk Middle School and High School are comprehensive sexuality curricula that educate youth about sexuality and sexual health.

4. health-connected.org health-connected.org/tthsr-overview/

Teen Talk High School Refresher - Health Connected Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) is a supplemental “booster” course of sexual health education (SHE) designed to equip students in grades 11 & 12 ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-sexually-transmitted-diseases-8-2024-6e530

Teen Talk Program for Sexual Health Education (TTHSR ... The Teen Talk High School Refresher (TTHSR) is a sexual health education "booster" program for older high school students attending school in rural communities ...

6. health-connected.org health-connected.org/tths-overview/

Teen Talk High School - Health Connected Teen Talk High School (TTHS) is a sexual health curriculum for grades 9-12, with 12 sessions, meeting CA requirements, and includes life skills and social ...