In the Know: A Cluster Randomized Trial of an In-person Sexual Health Education Program Integrating Digital Technologies for Adolescents.

Purpose: Integrating digital technologies into sexual health education can offer advantages for connecting with adolescents, particularly populations who may be underserved through common school-based approaches. This study assessed the effectiveness of In the Know, an in-person, group-based sexual health education program integrating digital technologies, codesigned with adolescents.

Methods: The study design was a cluster randomized trial with 1,263 adolescents aged 13-19 in 95 cohorts, implemented in community-based organizations and schools throughout Fresno County, California.

Contraceptive access experiences and perspectives of Mexican-origin youth: a binational qualitative study.

Access to comprehensive contraceptive services for youth is essential to improving sexual and reproductive health. However, youth in many countries still face substantial obstacles to contraceptive access and use. The purpose of this study is to compare the contraceptive access experiences and perspectives of pregnant and parenting Mexican-origin youth in Guanajuato, Mexico, and Fresno County, California.

Integrated Theory-Based Health and Development Interventions for Young People: A Global Scoping Review.

Background: Most health and developmental issues affecting young people are interrelated. However, few interventions address multiple behavioral domains simultaneously or are based on theories that encompass a holistic perspective of youth development.

Aim: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and describe the range of theory-based, multibehavioral health interventions aimed at improving two or more of the following behavioral youth outcomes: (1) sexual and reproductive health; (2) education and employment; (3) violence; and (4) substance use.

Youth perceptions and concerns about sexually transmissible infections versus pregnancy: a qualitative comparative study in California.

Background: Although rates of adolescent pregnancy have been declining for decades, rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) continue to increase among youth. Little is known about youth's comparative concern regarding pregnancy and STIs, particularly among marginalised populations. Therefore, this study compares concerns toward unplanned pregnancy and STIs and identifies underlying reasons for these differing concerns in youth populations with elevated rates of STIs.

Educators' Perspectives on Integrating Technology Into Sexual Health Education: Implementation Study.

Background: In the last decade, the use of technology-based sexual health education has increased. Multiple studies have shown the feasibility of technology-based interventions, while a subset has also shown efficacy in improving youths' sexual health outcomes such as increased condom use and knowledge. However, little is known about health educators' experiences in integrating technology to augment sexual health curricula.

Young people's romantic relationships and sexual activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Social distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 may profoundly impact young people's relationships. This study compared adolescent and young adults' romantic relationships and sexual activity before and after social distancing policies were enacted.

Methods: In June 2020, 351 youth participating in an ongoing intervention study in Fresno County, California completed an online survey about their experiences related to COVID-19.

Bridging the Gap between Sexual Health Education and Clinical Services: Adolescent Perspectives and Recommendations.

Background: Adolescents often lack access to accurate and appropriate sexual health information and services. Providing information about local clinical services during sexual health education classes is one strategy to increase awareness, yet many programs miss this opportunity. This study aims to learn about adolescents' experiences with sexual health education and their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to clinical care.

Youth-centered maternity care: a binational qualitative comparison of the experiences and perspectives of Latina adolescents and healthcare providers.

Background: Although there is growing recognition of the importance of person-centered maternity care, the needs and perspectives of pregnant adolescents are rarely considered. The purpose of this study was to compare the maternity care experiences of Mexican-origin adolescents in Guanajuato, Mexico and Fresno, California from both youth and healthcare provider perspectives.

Methods: Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 89 respondents, including 74 pregnant and parenting adolescents as well as 15 providers between December 2016 and July 2017.

Perspectives on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Strategies in the United States: Looking Back, Looking Forward.

Attempts to solve the "problem of adolescent pregnancy" have long been a  focus of national, state, and local efforts in the United States. This review article summarizes trends and strategies around adolescent pregnancy prevention, provides lessons learned and best practices, and presents ideas for future directions. Over the past decades, a wide variety of policy and programmatic interventions have been implemented - including educational efforts, clinical health services, and community-wide coalitions - accompanied by a growing consensus regarding viable solutions.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Intervention Integrating Technology and In-Person Sexual Health Education for Adolescents (In the Know): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Access to a smartphone is nearly universal among American adolescents, and most of them have used the internet to seek health information. Integrating digital technologies into health program delivery may expand opportunities for youth to receive important health information, yet there are few rigorous studies assessing the effectiveness of this type of intervention.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of In the Know (ITK), a program integrating in-person and technology-based sexual health education for underserved adolescents.