Developing a Video Intervention to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Older Adolescents

Abstract

Older adolescent African American and Latina females have disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This article describes the development of a new video intervention for this population, modeled on Safe in the City (SITC), an evidence-based STI prevention video. Plan A was created from 2015 to 2016, using a systematic process similar to SITC. This included forming a project team with reproductive health experts, hiring a video production company and screenwriter, conducting a clinic staff survey (n = 8), and soliciting priority population input using three focus groups (n = 41) followed by a review panel (n = 9). The expert input, clinic staff survey, focus groups, and review panel informed the content and format of Plan A. The 23-minute video includes three interconnected stories with relatable characters and two animated sequences. Topics covered include condoms, long-acting reversible contraception, emergency contraception, STI prevention and testing, and patient-provider communication. SITC provided a model to create a new entertainment-education intervention for a different audience and to address pregnancy prevention as well as STIs. Sustained priority population involvement, input from stakeholders, and a highly iterative process were vital to developing Plan A, which is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Randomized Trial of a Sexual Health Video Intervention for Black and Hispanic Adolescent Females

“…Through a series of three inter-related, soap opera-style vignettes, five primary topics are addressed in the video: (1) pregnancy, STI, and HIV risk perception; (2) contraceptive options, with an emphasis on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC); (3) condom use and partner negotiation skills; (4) importance of regular HIV/STI testing; and (5) comfort discussing sexual history, HIV/STI testing, and contraceptive methods with a health provider. Between each vignette, there is a short, animated sequence to deliver information about intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the implant (Plant et al, 2019 ). All content included in the video went through a medical accuracy review process to confirm the information presented was factually accurate and up-to-date.…”