The Influence of Religious Participation on Sexual Activity in a Randomized Effectiveness Trial for Minority Youth

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of religious participation on the outcomes of a comprehensive sex education program for minority youth in Miami, FL. Data collection occurred at pretest and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. A sample of teenagers was randomly selected from high schools, with a large majority of minority youth, and was assigned into treatment (n = 549) and control (n = 424) groups. Results indicated religious participation had some influence on predicting teen sexual activity at pretest but did not contribute to teen responses at 3- or 6-month follow-up. Gender and use of alcohol also significantly predicted responses from teens at pretest and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Future research is needed comparing the influence of religious participation on sexual activity with youth in sex education programs from high schools in multiple regions of the country. Discussion of the findings, as well as implications for social service policy and practice, conclude the article.