Can an online course cut STIs on campus? new study tests it

NCT ID NCT04095065

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Penn State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested an online program called itMatters designed to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among college students. The program focuses on the link between drinking alcohol and risky sexual behavior, such as not using condoms. Over 3,000 first-year students from four U.S. colleges participated. The goal was to see if the program could increase knowledge and change behaviors to prevent STIs.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: online behavioral intervention (itMatters)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide an effective, scalable online tool to reduce STI rates among college students.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study analyzing behavioral outcomes; results may not apply to all populations or settings, and online interventions may have limited long-term impact.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking sexually transmitted disease prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fresno State University

Fresno, California, 93740, United States
Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37132, United States
North Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota, 58108, United States
University of North Carolina - Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina, 27412, United States

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