Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy: A Review of Programs and Practices

This article reviews literature on the programs and practices available for the primary prevention of adolescent pregnancy. Using the outcomes from research studies, the review defines some of the "best practices" available for the purpose of guiding practitioners in their selection of programs and interventions. Prevention programs, their major components, and curricula are discussed. Best practices discussed include community-based and school-based clinics, programs offering contraceptive knowledge-building along with comprehensive sex education and skills training, and sex education curricula based on social learning theory and skills training.