Big Decision Program Summary

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Realini et al. examined the effectiveness of the Big Decision Program, an Abstinence-plus program. Big Decisions was implemented in the southwest part of the United States and this program consisted of 10 sessions (Realini et al.). Similar to “making proud choices” and “Get Real: Comprehensive Sex Education That Works”, “big decisions” emphasize that abstinence is the best choice, but the program provides information on condoms and contraceptives to reduce the risks associated with sexual activity. The Big decision program was implemented in four high schools with ninth grade participants. The majority of the participants in the “big decisions” study were minorities and Hispanics, leaving a total of 1,130 ninth grade participants (Realini et al.). …show more content…
Participation is also associated with positive changes in the participants’ behavioral intentions and self-efficacy regarding condom use and the refusal of sex. Results of the big decisions program and the making proud choices program are similar (Realini et al.). Although Big Decisions was implemented in a high-risk, predominantly Hispanic, youth population, it was effective in improving attitudes about abstinence STDs, Sexual pressure, and contraception just like the Making Proud Choices program (Realini et al.). Similar to MPC, Participation in the Big Decision Program appeared to increase intentions to abstain and to use condoms if sexually active (Realini et