A Randomized Intervention Trial to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Services Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to test how well a 6-week socialization and sex education program called STEPS2 works for young people aged 16 to 27 years with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with Down syndrome. The study focuses on whether STEPS2 can improve knowledge and behaviors related to sexual health, such as discussions with medical professionals, HPV vaccination status, and understanding of sex and pregnancy. The trial compares STEPS2 with a different health education program focusing on nutrition and exercise. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The STEPS2 group receives weekly one-hour, one-on-one virtual sessions with a health educator covering topics like the human body, decision-making, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, birth control, parenting, and visiting the doctor. The comparison group, called Steps To Your Health (STYH), meets weekly in small virtual groups to learn about nutrition, exercise, stress management, and healthy behaviors. Both programs last six weeks and participants can choose to have a guardian or helper join sessions. Participants complete surveys before starting, at 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months after enrollment to assess their knowledge, behaviors, and satisfaction with the program. Researchers measure outcomes such as conversations with doctors about sexual health, HPV vaccination knowledge and status, and understanding of sex and pregnancy one year after enrollment. They also track contraception and STI prevention behaviors among sexually active participants. The study includes safety monitoring and plans to share the STEPS2 curriculum with all participants after the study if it proves effective.

Socialization To Enrich Participation & Support Sexuality for Young People With I/DD