Evaluation of a Comprehensive Sex Education Program Developed and Implemented by Medical Students [356

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young adults continues to rise, demonstrating a need for improved sex education and access to STI screening and treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a comprehensive sex education intervention implemented by medical students in middle and high schools. METHODS: A single-session, comprehensive sex education program was developed by medical students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and delivered to middle and high school students in Miami-Dade County over a 30-month period. A 10-question STI knowledge test was conducted preintervention and postintervention; “passing” grade for the test was set at 60%. Student's t test and χ2 test were performed to assess the curriculum's ability to improve student knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 1,388 students from seventh through 12th grade participated in the intervention. Preintervention and postintervention data were available for 1,173 students (84.5%). There was a significant increase in mean test score after the intervention (pretest=4.5 compared with posttest=8.5, P<.001). The intervention also demonstrated a significant increase in test pass rate (pretest n=437 [31.4%] compared with posttest n=1,098 [93.6%]; χ2, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Middle and high school students continue to be infected with STIs at high rates. This school-based, comprehensive sex education program implemented by medical students demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge about STIs and methods to prevent them. Further research is needed to assess the effect of this intervention on behavior, STI screening, and acquisition.