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Policymakers and practitioners are interested in identifying strategies and approaches to empower youth to make informed decisions that promote optimal health. Such decisions include the avoidance and cessation of sexual risk. Identifying the factors that influence youth’s decisions to avoid or cease sexual activity can support policymakers, practitioners, and public health officials as they develop programming and policy to improve risk-related outcomes...
This brief presents two complementary conceptual models—one for sexual risk avoidance and a second for sexual risk cessation—that aim to guide efforts to prevent youth risk behaviors and promote optimal health. Building on an earlier briefthat presented initial versions of the conceptual models, this brief describes refined versions of the conceptual models enhanced through additional information and analysis.