Development and two-phased pilot RCT of a foster/kinship caregiver intervention to improve sexual health communication with youth

Ahrens, Kym R.; Udell, Wadiya; Albertson, Katie; Lowry, Sarah; Hoopes, Teah; Coatney, Alexis

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105877

Cited by 3 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Conversely, one study (MPCOOH; Taylor et al., 2020) recruited 70% female care-experienced young people and another (Peer Mentoring; Mezey et al., 2015) recruited 100% females. Most studies included a broad age range, from 13 to 19 years (Ahrens et al., 2021; Boustani, Frazier and Lesperance, 2017; Combs et al., 2019; Green et al., 2017; Oman et al., 2016; 2018; Mezey et al., 2015), including those in care as well as those approaching the transition to care leaver. One study also included care leavers between the ages of 19 to 25 years as mentors in a Peer Mentoring programme (Mezey al., 2015).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With the exception of Peer Mentoring, the remaining interventions were education/curriculum based. Most were six-to-eight hours in total (Heart to Heart, Ahrens et al., 2021; Be Proud! Be Responsible!, Combs et al., 2019; Making Proud Choices, Taylor et al, 2020; Combs et al., 2019; SiHLE-YFC Boustani, Frazier and Lesperance, 2017), although delivery of session times varied.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Five studies were RCTs: Heart to Heart (Ahrens et al., 2021); Power Through Choices (Green et al., 2017; Oman et al., 2016; 2018); Peer Mentoring (Mezey et al., 2015). Of these, two studies first included a feasibility/pilot studies as an initial phase (Heart to Heart, Ahrens et al., 2021; Peer Mentoring, Mezey et al., 2015). The remaining three studies used pre-post assessments (Making Proud Choices / Be Proud!…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Five of the six interventions demonstrated significant improvements in sexual health knowledge (Heart to Heart, Ahrens et al., 2021; SiHLE-YFC, Boustani, Frazier and Lesperance, 2017; Power Through Choices, Oman et al., 2016; Green et al., 2017; MPCOOH, Taylor et al., 2020; MPC and Be Proud! Be Responsible!, Combs et al., 2019), with the Peer Mentoring programme not specifically assessing sexual health knowledge (Mezey et al., 2015).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Foster carers are an under-utilised resource (Albertson et al., 2018). In the current review, we identified only one study targeting foster carers (Heart to Heart, Ahrens et al., 2021), which suggested improvements in sexual health knowledge (in foster carers), and improvements in carer–youth conflict and communication. Although the study did not examine whether the intervention impacted on looked after children and young people’s sexual and reproductive health attitudes or behaviours, existing evidence suggests that communication between parents and children about sexual relationships can have positive impacts on youth (e.g., delaying sexual activity and consistently using contraception; Mezey et al., 2017; Nixon, Elliott and Henderson, 2019; Widman et al., 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Interventions to support reproductive and mental health among care leavers: A systematic review

Bogen-Johnston,

Edelman,

Sellers

2024

Adoption & Fostering

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Compared to other teenagers, young care leavers tend to have poorer sexual/reproductive and mental health; mental health difficulties may increase risk for poor sexual/reproductive health. This systematic review addresses a gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of existing interventions that support care leavers’ sexual/reproductive health (e.g., contraception, pregnancy choices, early parenting). Eight published articles spanning six interventions were eligible. Interventions were associated with improvements in a range of sexual/reproductive health measures (e.g., sexual health knowledge; knowledge of where to get support; attitudes to sexual health practices), with some indicative improvements in self-esteem. However, some studies suggested these improvements may not be sustained. Interventions tended to include a broad age range, with limited programmes specifically aimed at care leavers. While some programmes focused on attitudes toward reproductive health and pregnancy (i.e., contraception), we identified no programme focusing on parenthood choice. We also identified no sexual/reproductive health programme that targeted or assessed associated mental health problems, despite evidence of associations between sexual health and mental health difficulties. Findings suggest that care leavers may benefit from specific sexual/reproductive health supports, but further evidence is needed. Findings also indicate a need for more holistic supports that integrate mental health supports with reproductive/sexual health and consider care leaver decision-making.

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