F.O.R.E.play: the utility of brief sexual health interventions among college students

J Am Coll Health. 2012;60(2):175-7. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2011.584336.

Abstract

Objectives: The authors aimed to determine the most effective brief sexual health intervention for college students, while also evaluating students' preferences for learning about sexual health, in order to develop a university program.

Methods: A total of 302 students enrolled in an introductory college course participated and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 brief interventions during a regularly scheduled class and completed pre- and postsurveys assessing knowledge, motivation to use condoms, and condom self-efficacy.

Results: Findings indicated that having an actual person in charge of the learning process resulted in higher knowledge gains and highlighted a student preference for discussion-based learning, viewing pictures of sexually transmitted infections, and hearing real-life experiences about the consequences of unsafe sex.

Conclusions: These findings will be used to tailor a future intervention targeting college students for use with freshmen students at this university.

MeSH terms

  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Missouri
  • Sex Education / methods*
  • Sex Education / standards
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities
  • Young Adult