However, very few were designed with theories of youth development in mind. The prevalence of STDs among teens is striking. There are 3-4 million new cases of STDs reported among teens each year. Untreated chlamydia, an STD, is clearly linked to infertility and pregnancy complications. Abstinence programs supported under Title V vary widely.
Some programs are longer term and more intensive.
The Title V programs are required to follow eight guidelines. There are other questions of efficacy as well. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that they do not. The evaluation uses an experimental design that compares youth offered the abstinence program with those not offered the program. The researchers will examine the effectiveness of seven stellar programs that represent a variety of approaches to teaching abstinence.