Technology-Based Interventions to Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections and Unintended Pregnancy Among Youth

Abstract

Purpose: Technology-based interventions to promote sexual health have proliferated in recent years, yet their efficacy among youth has not been meta-analyzed. This study synthesizes the literature on technology-based sexual health interventions among youth. Methods: Studies were included if they (1) sampled youth ages 13–24; (2) utilized technology-based platforms; (3) measured condom use or abstinence as outcomes; (4) evaluated program effects with experimental or quasi-experimental designs; and (5) were published in English. Results: Sixteen studies with 11,525 youth were synthesized. There was a significant weighted mean effect of technology-based interventions on condom use (d =.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.12,.34], p