Parent Attitudes and Support of School-Based Sexuality and HIV/AIDS Education Programs in a Local School District

Abstract

ABSTRACT Local school districts often have a need to assess parent support and attitudes about school-based sexuality and HIV/AIDS education when developing curriculum, especially given that such education can be controversial at the local level. This study, conducted in Palm Beach County Schools, Florida, employed a sample (n = 457) of longest-residing English-, Spanish-, and Creole-speaking parents of middle school students. A telephone survey, extensively pilot tested, and conducted in the primary language of the parent, found substantial concern among parents regarding the current or future sexual activity of their child; a high level of support for inclusion of specific sexuality and HIV/AIDS topics in school programs; strong beliefs in the importance of providing skill instruction to avoid pregnancy, HIV and other STDs; but ambivalence about the consequences of school-based sexuality education on the sexual activity of students. English-speaking parents were, in general, more supportive than Spanish...