PLANNING AND EVALUATION OF AN ABSTINENCE AND SAFER SEX INTERVENTION PROGRAMME FOR ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING THE PUBLIC STI CLINIC IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The efficacy of a behavioural intervention to promote secondary abstinence and safer sexual behaviours among adolescents attending the public STI clinic in Singapore was evaluated. Heterosexually active adolescents aged 16 to 19 years were recruited and randomly allocated to the intervention or usual care. They were surveyed at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Over the 12-month follow-up, intervention males, but not females, were more likely to report secondary abstinence in the past 6 months. In contrast, intervention females, but not males, reported higher consistent condom use for vaginal sex in the past 6 months. Both intervention males and females were more likely to keep to one partner. Overall, adolescents in the intervention had marginally significantly fewer incident STIs in the 6 months preceding follow-ups. Intervention effects were observed for psychosocial mediators. This intervention was able to promote secondary abstinence and safer sex behaviours, and could be used to augment the current usual care.