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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Jul;55(1):85-92.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.12.007. Epub 2014 Feb 8.

Yo Puedo--a conditional cash transfer and life skills intervention to promote adolescent sexual health: results of a randomized feasibility study in san francisco

Alexandra M Minnis  1 , Evan vanDommelen-Gonzalez  2 , Ellen Luecke  3 , William Dow  4 , Sergio Bautista-Arredondo  5 , Nancy S Padian  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Yo Puedo--a conditional cash transfer and life skills intervention to promote adolescent sexual health: results of a randomized feasibility study in san francisco

Alexandra M Minnis et al. J Adolesc Health. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: We designed and evaluated for feasibility an intervention-Yo Puedo-that addresses social network influences and socioeconomic opportunities in a neighborhood with substantial gang exposure and early childbearing.

Methods: Yo Puedo combined conditional cash transfers for completion of educational and reproductive health wellness goals with life skills sessions, and targeted youth 16-21 years of age and same-aged members of their social network. We conducted a two-arm study with social networks randomized to the intervention or a standard services control arm. We evaluated intervention uptake, adherence, and safety; and assessed evidence of effects on behavioral outcomes associated with unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risk.

Results: A total of 72 social networks composed of 162 youth enrolled, with 92% retention over 6 months. Seventy-two percent of youth randomized to the intervention participated in intervention activities: 53% received at least one conditional cash transfer payment and 66% came to at least one life skills session. We found no evidence that cash payments financed illicit or high-risk behavior. At 6 months, compared with controls, intervention participants had a lower odds of hanging out on the street frequently (odds ratio [OR], .54; p = .10) and a lower odds of reporting that their close friends had been incarcerated (OR, .6; p = .12). They reported less regular alcohol use (OR, .54; p = .04) and a lower odds of having sex (OR, .50; p = .04).

Conclusions: The feasibility evaluation of Yo Puedo demonstrated its promise; a larger evaluation of effects on pregnancy and sustained behavioral changes is warranted.

Keywords: Adolescent; Adolescent pregnancy; Intervention studies; Juvenile delinquency; Poverty; United states.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Yo Puedo Conceptual Model
Figure 2
Figure 2
Yo Puedo Intervention Components
Figure 2
Figure 2
Yo Puedo Intervention Components
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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