Web-Based Emotion Regulation and Sexual Health Education Program for 7th Graders to Reduce High Risk Behavior

What this Trial Is About

Adolescence is a key period when behaviors form that strongly affect present and future health, especially sexual behavior influenced by puberty and developmental tasks. Engaging in sexual activity before age 15 is linked to riskier behaviors and negative health outcomes like sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy. This research evaluates iTRAC-HERO, a web-based program designed to teach emotion regulation skills combined with sexual health education to help reduce risky sexual behaviors in middle school adolescents. The study compares a treatment group using iTRAC-HERO, an eight-module interactive web app with games and videos focusing on managing emotions related to sexual health, to a waitlist control group offered the program after six months. The program uses inclusive language and aims to improve skills for refusing sexual advances and preventing risk. This phase completes the technology adaptation of the original in-person intervention to a digital format and tests its impact on adolescents aged 12 to 14. Participants will be assessed at baseline, one month post-intervention, and six months after, measuring changes in sexual self-efficacy, HIV prevention confidence, sexual risk thinking, attitudes about abstinence, and frequency of sexual and substance use behaviors. The study involves random assignment, no blinding, and focuses on prevention. The total participation spans about six months with follow-ups to evaluate behavioral changes and self-regulation improvements.

An Interactive Education Program to Reduce High Risk Behavior in Adolescents Ph II (iTRAC HERO)