A Model for Increasing Access: Teenage Pregnancy Prevention

Abstract

This article discusses the I Have a Future (IHAF) Program at Meharry Medical College Nashville Tennessee since its inception in 1986 for youth aged 10-17. Included are the history and background; the goals and objectives; the theoretical basis; program activities; the tutorial/academic enrichment module; choosing to adorn and refine myself (CHARM) and the males adorning thinking and using refined energies (MATURE); the family life education module; the job readiness module; the IHAF youth entrepreneurial program; the alcohol and drug abuse prevention module; the body awareness resources network (BARN) computer program; the recreation athletic and summer olympics activities; evaluation and hypotheses; data analysis; analytical issues; and future intentions. IHAF is one of the teenage pregnancy prevention programs that impart knowledge provide access to contraception and comprehensive health services and enhance life options in a residential setting: the public housing projects. It specifically has as its objective to increase socially adaptive and appropriate behavior and enhance the ability of high risk adolescents to pursue employment and educational opportunities and to expand opportunities for health professional students. Programmatic activities and modules adhere to the Swahili principles of blackness created by Dr. Maulanga Karenga: unity self- determination collective work and responsibility cooperative economics purpose creativity and faith. The academic module is designed to improve test scores and grades through test-taking strategies and homework study skills (6 weeks). CHARM and MATURE are about personal hygiene and health; material is presented in a variety of ways including guest poets (8 weeks). The family life module emphasizes decision-making skills setting goals in the family context and developing positive attitudes toward abstinence and contraception (15 weeks). The jobs module addresses career development (8 weeks). Self- employment development trains for future careers. The drug and alcohol program employs selected teens who have completed the module to work in the community (12 weeks). BARN teaches computer skills and healthy lifestyles. Youths are tested annually at the 2 intervention and 2 control sites with a variety of instruments and pre- and postmodules. Only data on the effectiveness of the drug module were available and the results were positive. 3 issues need consideration in the evaluation: attrition rate (47.6% due to movement away from the site) selection bias and participation rates. Future work entails evaluation dissemination on a wider basis and establishment of a national database of innercity high risk youth and families in association with the Student National Medical Association.