A reduction in the number of unwanted pregnancies among female army draftees through a controlled intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the possibility of reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy through a controlled intervention program that was based on a sex education workshop.

DESIGN

Educational intervention study.

SETTING

Newly drafted women in a central absorption army base in Israel.

PATIENT(S): One thousand seven hundred ninety-three female draftees in the Israeli Defence Force.

INTERVENTION(S): A 2-day workshop on sex education at the beginning of army service.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of unwanted pregnancy.

RESULT(S): After 2 years of follow-up, there were approximately 40% fewer unwanted pregnancies among women with a lower socioeconomic and intellectual profile.

CONCLUSION(S): Structured intervention programs may reduce significantly the rate of unwanted pregnancy in young women.