Initiative Description: 2 programs designed to reduce high-risk behaviors among inner-city African American youth. The social development curriculum (SDC) consisted of 16 to 21 lessons per year focusing on the social competence skills necessary to manage situations in which high-risk behaviors occur. The school/community intervention (SCI) consisted of SDC and school-wide climate and parent and community components.

Study Results: For boys, the SDC and SCI significantly reduced the rate of increase in violent behavior (by 35%) and 47% compared with HEC, respectively), provoking behavior (41% and 59%), school delinquency (31% and 66%), drug use (32% and 34%), and recent sexual intercourse (44% and 65%), and improved the rate of increase in condom use (95% and 165%). The SCI was significantly more effective than the SDC. There were no significant effects for girls.

Reference: Flay, B. R., Phill, S. G., Segawa, E., Burns, J. L., & Holliday, M. Y. (2004). Effects of 2 prevention programs on high-risk behaviors among African American youth: A randomized trial. Arch Pediatr Adolescent Medicine, 158(4), 377-384.

Level of Evidence: Very Good