Efficacy of the READY-Girls Program on General Risk-Taking Behaviors, Condom Use, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adolescent Females With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the short-term efficacy (3 months) of early diabetes-specific READY-Girls preconception counseling (RGPC) on more general risk-taking behaviors, condom use, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent females with type 1 diabetes. Methods Secondary analysis was performed with data pooled from 2 independent randomized controlled trials to evaluate the short-term impact of RGPC. The pooled sample had 136 participants (mean age, 16.9 years; range, 13-19 years) and compared those who received the RGPC (n = 76) with a control group who received standard care (n = 60). Both groups self-reported on demographic characteristics, risk-taking behaviors (eg, substance use and unsafe sex), birth control, and STIs. Results No effect of RGPC emerged on risk-taking behaviors, condom use, and STIs. Only 25% (n = 36) of the adolescents were sexually active at baseline, and 29% (n = 39) were sexually active at 3 months. Their overall mean age of sexual debut was 15.4 years, with more than half reporting an episode of unprotected sex. Condoms were the most frequent type of birth control used by both groups at both time points. By 3 months, only 4 participants had been diagnosed with an STI. Over time, subjects in both groups became more sexually active and used more condoms. Conclusion RGPC did not appear to directly affect general risk-taking behaviors or STIs, since it focuses on diabetes and reproductive health issues. Condom use did increase over time in both groups. More information on risk-taking behaviors and STIs should be included in diabetes-specific preconception counseling programs, including RGPC.