Perspective of Secondary School Students on School-based Sexuality Education: Effects of Demographic Characteristics

Abstract

This study explored the perspective of secondary school students on school-based sexuality education (SBSE). The effects of demographic characteristics on students’ attitude towards SBSE and their appraisal of sexuality topics included in school-based sexuality education were analyzed. A questionnaire containing items on sociodemographic characteristics and measuring instruments was designed for data collection. Data were gathered from three secondary schools via convenience sampling. A total of 818 students (mean age = 15.3, SD = 1.6; 70.6% were males) completed the questionnaire. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Informed consent was solicited before administration of the questionnaires. Results of data analysis showed that students hold positive attitude towards SBSE. They also appraised sexuality topics positively, indicating that they had a need for learning and felt comfortable in learning the sexuality topics included in SBSE. Students’ need and comfort feeling about learning of sexuality topics would facilitate teaching sexuality in schools. Older age and higher education were associated with positive appraisal on various sexuality topics. No gender difference was found in the overall appraisal of sexuality topics. However, gender differences were found on individual items of the appraisals. Consistent with Western findings, over 90% of students were supportive of SBSE. Inconsistent with the West, female students show more positive attitude towards SBSE. Implications of the findings for the effective implementation SBSE program were considered and limitations of the study deliberated.