The effectiveness of the reach for health community youth service learningprogram in reducing early and unprotected sex among urban middle school students

Objectives. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community youth ser vice (CYS) program in reducing sexual risk behaviors among African American and Latino urban young adolescents. Methods. A total of 1061 students at 2 urban middle schools were surveyed a t baseline and 6-month follow-up. Students at one school were randomly assi gned by classroom to receive either the Reach for Health CYS program or the Reach for Health classroom curriculum only. Students at the other school s erved as controls. Results. At follow-up, CYS participants reported significantly less recent sexual activity (P<.05) and scored lower on a sexual activity index than th ose in the control condition (P<.03). The greatest effect was among eighth graders, who received the most intensive service program (P<.03). The benef it of the curriculum-only intervention appeared greatest among students in special education classes. Conclusions. Well-organized CYS that couples community involvement with cla ssroom health instruction can have a positive impact on the sexual behavior s of young adolescents at risk for HN; sexually transmitted diseases, and u nintended pregnancy. This study also suggests the importance of including s tudents in special education classes in health education programs.