Evaluating the Stepping Stones intervention for preventing teen pregnancy
Evaluation of Stepping Stones
This study is testing a program called Stepping Stones to see if it can help young people aged 12 to 22 who are at risk of teen pregnancy improve their sexual health and relationship behaviors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Policy & Research Group Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Orleans, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06574217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the Stepping Stones (StSt) intervention on the sexual health and relationship behaviors of sexually active youth aged 12 to 22 who are at risk for or involved in legal or child welfare systems. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the StSt intervention or a control condition with no sexual health information. Outcomes will be measured through self-reported questionnaires at three intervals: baseline, three months, and nine months post-intervention. The study focuses on key metrics such as STI testing, condom use, and emotional abuse perpetration.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sexually active youth aged 12 to 22 who are at risk for or involved in the legal or child welfare systems.
Not a fit: Patients currently trying to start a pregnancy or those detained in a facility may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sexual health outcomes and reduce risky behaviors among at-risk youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions aimed at improving sexual health among at-risk youth, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At risk for or involved in the legal or child welfare systems * Report ever having vaginal and/or anal sex and plan to have sex in the next six months * Comfortable reading, speaking, and writing in English Exclusion Criteria: * Currently trying to start a pregnancy * Currently in jail or being detained in a facility * Enrolled in an ongoing PRG-run TPP study, the No Baby No study, or the Yes \& Know study * Living in regions where the FLASH curriculum is widely implemented (King County, WA, Ramsey County, MN, Hennepin County, MN) * Identified as fraudulent (only for individuals recruited online)
Where this trial is running
New Orleans, Louisiana
- The Policy & Research Group — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah Walsh, Ph.D. — The Policy & Research Group
- Study coordinator: Hilary Demby, MPH
- Email: hilary@policyandresearch.com
- Phone: 504-865-545
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.