American Journal of Health Studies: 26(4) 2011 DO ABSTINENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS INFLUENCE HIGH-SCHOOL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE?

Objectives: To determine if implementation of an abstinence education program is associated with academic performance. Methods: Using a longitudinal design, this study compares the academic performance of 21 high schools with an abstinence education program to 21 matched schools without such a program. Results: In comparison to matched controls, receiving the program was associated with a higher percentage of sophomores passing the state math achievement exam but was not associated with either percent passing the English exam or the attendance rate. Among the schools receiving the program, years of program intervention was associated with higher rates of passing both the state math and English achievement exams. Conclusions: Sustained offering of abstinence education programs is associated with improved academic performance, especially on standardized math exams