| Abstract: | This study tested the effectiveness of 4 interventions designed to affect contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and use among first-year Syracuse University students in New York State in the US. Pre- and post-tests obtained data on demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, contraceptive knowledge, sexual opinions, contraceptive attitudes, and contraceptive progress on a 5-step scale. Group 1 (79 students) received contraceptive information (CI) only. Group 2 (76) received CI and a cognitively oriented intervention. Group 3 (73) received CI and an experience-oriented intervention. Group 4 (77) received a combined cognitively and experience-oriented intervention with CI. The control group included 57 people. 78% on the pretest, and 84% on the post-test, had engaged in sexual intercourse for the first time in high school. 200 indicated previous intercourse in the past 3 months. Groups varied significantly in their knowledge, beliefs, and practices. All groups had greater contraceptive knowledge than control groups. Greater behavior beliefs about contraceptive use occurred in Groups 1 and 2. Groups 3 and 4 showed greater increases in positive attitudes toward use. All intervention students showed greater increases in positive attitudes toward a contraceptive process. Greater increases in the intention to use birth control occurred in Groups 3 and 4. Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed greater increases in reported use of birth control. Group 4 intervention was the most effective for males. Females were influenced by all interventions. Findings affirm the importance of including attitudinal components in sexuality and contraception workshops. |
