Watsonville

Researchers are evaluating the Yes and Know program, a fully virtual sexual health education intervention designed for youth aged 14 to 19 years. This study is a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial involving about 1,200 participants. It aims to assess the program's effectiveness in reducing unprotected vaginal or anal sex, as well as improving knowledge of reproductive health, healthy relationships, self-confidence in managing health, and the use of reproductive health services among youth. Participants are divided into two groups: the treatment group receives the Yes and Know Life Skills intervention focusing on sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships, life skills, and educational and career success; the control group receives a Nutrition Skills program focused on healthy eating and wellness. Both programs are delivered fully virtually through nine weekly synchronous group sessions of 60 minutes each, totaling nine hours, supplemented by asynchronous online resources and activities. Youth complete brief online surveys before the program starts and at 3 and 12 months after the sessions. The study tracks rates of unprotected vaginal or anal sex 12 months after the intervention. Participants are recruited mainly from rural communities in the South and Southeast United States, with community partners and social media advertising. Consent and assent are required, and the study monitors knowledge, self-efficacy, behavior changes, and service use over time.