This randomized control trial (RCT) will assess an innovative demonstration project to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health among highly mobile and marginalized youth in Fresno County, California. The Digital Initiative for Youth intervention combines existing, in-person, group-based, comprehensive sexual health education with wraparound digital technologies. The technological component was designed by Youth+Tech+Health using a "youth-centered" design approach and the intervention is implemented by Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (Fresno EOC). The University of California, San Francisco is the external evaluator. The RCT will assess health and behavioral outcomes at three time points (baseline, 4 months, 10 months).
Personal Responsibility Education Program Innovative Strategies: Digital Initiative for Youth; An Innovative Youth-Centered Initiative to Improve the Sexual Health and Socio-Economic Well-Being of Youth in Fresno County, California
The Digital Initiative for Youth (DIY) is an innovative, youth-centered, digital intervention that aims to improve the health and well-being of adolescents ages 13-19 in Fresno County, California. In particular, it will address the needs of homeless and unstably housed youth, youth of color, sexual minority youth, and Native American youth using a trauma-informed approach and positive youth development framework.
DIY combines existing, in-person, group-based, comprehensive sexual health education with an app designed in consultation with youth. DIY is built on three strategies: positive youth development, youth-centered design, and wraparound technologies. It will focus on four main areas: sexual health and contraceptive use, healthy relationships, educational and career development, and life skills. The intervention includes six hours of in-person education and an app that includes a resource locator, goal setting, text message reminders, and additional information and referrals.
This study is funded through the Personal Responsibility Education Program Innovative Strategies (PREIS), which is administered by the Family and Youth Services Bureau, part of Health and Human Services,
Fresno EOC is responsible for site and participant recruitment as well as the implementation of the intervention. Participants are randomized at the cohort (group) level. All control group participants will be invited to participate after completion of the long-term follow up period.