Health Psychology: applied Health Psychology within Health Promotion

The UK has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Western Europe and young people are disproportionately affected by high rates of sexually transmitted infections. An experimental evaluation of a sexual health promotion DVD entitled, “Bedroom Business,” was undertaken to assess its capacity to change the cognitive antecedents of condom use. Bedroom Business is a 27 minute documentary featuring young people and health professionals discussing sexual health. The DVD also tells the story of five local young people who write and produce a song which focuses on the risks of unsafe sex and underlines the importance of using condoms. Schools were randomised to either no intervention (control) or presentation of the DVD followed by group discussion (intervention). Participants were 147 students aged 16-18. The DVD was evaluated in terms of its capacity to change 13 cognitive antecedents of condom use through a self-report questionnaire. Participants completed the questionnaire at baseline and at four week follow-up. Analysis of covariance, with baseline scores as covariates, showed there were no differences between the conditions on any of the variables. The DVD itself was very popular, with nearly all the students responding that they would recommend it to other young people. Qualitative feedback revealed many young people found it appealing because it featured other young people. The implications of the study are discussed in the wider context of research into sexual health interventions. It is suggested interventions that are greater in scope and duration, holistic in nature and which aim to change future life opportunities for young people may serve to be the most effective