Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Research Articles

Fostering open dialogue: Creating safe spaces for adolescents to discuss sexual health

Sexual health education has significant implications on the physical and mental well-being of adolescents, yet several barriers impede the delivery of a quality curriculum. This article explores the challenges and importance of comprehensive sexual education. Through the experiences of adolescents like “Maya” (pseudonym), we discuss the need for safe spaces, inclusive curricula, and supportive networks to address gaps in sexual health education. The article also examines the current landscape of sexual education across the United States, emphasizing the role of advocacy and community-driven initiatives in promoting standardized, inclusive, and comprehensive programs. It concludes with actionable steps individuals can take at the local, national, and legislative level to support and advance comprehensive sexual health education.

The trend analysis of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among the elderly aged 50 to 69 years from 1990 to 2030.

The HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) excluding HIV among the elderly population urgently require more attention and in-depth study. We aimed to present and predict the worldwide of its burden from 1990 to 2030 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Leveraging the 2019 GBD study, we investigated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of HIV and other STI in incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality rates for individuals aged 50-69 across different age groups, genders, sociodemographic index (SDI) regions, and nations. The incidence of STI in the population from 2020 to 2030 was explored by Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) prediction model. The HIV incidence rate experienced its fastest growth 1990-1992, peaked in 1996, and gradually declined thereafter, with the 2019 rate being lower than that of 1990. The prevalence rate didn't present a sharp turning point. After 2006, its growth rate accelerated. Both DALYs and mortality rates plateaued high between 2002 and 2005, followed by a decline. The decline was steepest from 2005-2012, yet the rate of decrease slowed noticeably from 2012-2019.When segmented by age, HIV was more prevalent among those aged 55-59 and 50-54, with the 50-54 age group witnessing the fastest decline in incidence rates. However, the fastest growth in prevalence rates was seen among the 60-64 and 65-69 age groups. The other STI incidence rate declined from 1990-1996, increased up to 2006, declined until 2015, and then saw a resurgence with accelerated growth thereafter. The prevalence rate showcased varied trends, with a notable increase in the past five years. The highest growth in incidence rate was among the 65-69 age group. We predict that the incidence rate of STI will increase in the future. Overall, despite the evident decline in incidence, mortality rates, and DALYs, the prevalence of HIV and other STI among the elderly is rising, and both demonstrated significant trend variations across different ages, genders, SDI regions, and nations. Comprehensive sexual health education, clinical care and adjustments in health service strategies based on the evolving trends of HIV and other STI among the elderly are paramount.

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Policy in Chicago Public Schools.

In 2013, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district passed a policy requiring schools to deliver comprehensive sexual health education (SHE) to all K-12th grade students. A performance improvement case study was conducted in the 2019-2020 school year to evaluate the implementation of the policy and identify lessons learned to support implementation in schools. Key informant interviews were conducted with 11 school principals and 29 teachers to discuss SHE implementation at their school. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to assess school and classroom factors that affect implementation. Themes that cut across these factors were then identified and summarized by 2 evaluators. The following themes were identified across key informant interviews: (a) principal prioritization of SHE helps ensure SHE is implemented, (b) the expansion of school and teacher capacity facilitates SHE implementation, and (c) the creation of accountability mechanisms in classrooms and schools fosters adherence to SHE policy. Principals play a crucial role in building capacity to deliver SHE and ensuring SHE accountability mechanisms are implemented in their school. CPS is using these findings to adjust technical assistance and resources provided to principals and SHE instructors.

The pathways to reproductive health education for women with physical disabilities in vietnam

ObjectiveTo examines the access to reproductive health information by women with physical disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. MethodsAn ethnography was used in this research. Data collection was conducted by using observations, photovoice, and in-depth interview with 30 participants, which including 20 women with physical disabilities, 5 healthcare providers, and 5 key informants. ResultsResearch findings revealed that women with physical disabilities had variable reproductive health knowledge with some women being more informed than others. They obtained reproductive health knowledge via four pathways: family, school, community, and self-learning via peers and the Internet. They learned different types of information from these sources, but their reproductive health resources remained limited, leading to very little reproductive health knowledge for women. ConclusionMost women in this research are not educated by family members about reproductive health issues due to the Vietnamese cultural and social norms about sexual and reproductive health and ideas about disability. Some women have the opportunity to complete grade 9 and higher education levels, hence they are able to access authorized information via biology classes and other sexual and reproductive health training courses. Some recommendations are given including [1] Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education should be taught in schools; [2] The Ministry of Education and Training works with NGOs to provide more authoritative sexual and reproductive health documents or workplace training for all people with disabilities; [3] Social policy makers in Vietnam should review their policies regarding improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

"It definitely changed me": Exploring sexual and gender diverse people's experiences with intimate partner violence in Ontario, Canada.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves an individual committing acts intended to harm or intimidate a current or former romantic partner. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders often trapped victims with perpetrators and intensified IPV. Although sexual and gender diverse people disproportionately experience IPV compared to cisgender, heterosexual people, their experiences are not well documented in the Canadian context. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender diverse (2S/LGBTQIA+) people with IPV in Ontario and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their IPV experiences. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with self-identified 2S/LGBTQIA+ people who experienced IPV on/after March 15, 2020. We audio-recorded and transcribed all interviews and coded the transcripts for content and themes using inductive and deductive techniques. Our 20 participants experienced physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. Technology-facilitated violence extended abuse geographically and temporally. IPV experiences were associated with negative mental health outcomes that were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants struggled to see themselves as legitimate victims of IPV. Although participants regretted being victims of violence, many saw their abusive relationship(s) as a learning experience to inform future relationships. Our findings suggest that 2S/LGBTQIA+ people may experience unique forms of identity abuse and may have difficulty recognizing their IPV experiences as abuse. Ensuring that comprehensive sexual health education is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and includes information about healthy relationship dynamics, 2S/LGBTQIA+ relationships, and IPV is critical.

“I Had No Idea about This:” A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Sexual Health and HIV Prevention Needs among Black Youth in a Southern City

HIV disparities continue to persist among Black youth in the South. We conducted quantitative surveys (N = 83) and follow-up qualitative interviews (n = 13) to assess sexual health needs including but not limited to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness. Participants all identified as Black; most survey respondents identified as being assigned female sex at birth and heterosexual. Both qualitatively and quantitatively, knowledge about HIV and PrEP and engagement in sexual health preventive behaviors was low. Participants described a need for more comprehensive sexual health education at younger ages and more routinized HIV testing. The latter was recommended even for people with a low perceived risk of HIV. Future studies should explore how to tailor communication to youth of color specifically and understand nuances of experiences they may have based on their sexual orientation and gender identity to promote engagement in sexual health preventive care, including but not limited to HIV prevention and PrEP uptake. The findings suggest that comprehensive sexual care that provides education on HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention is critical for youth experiencing inequities in a Southern city context.

Digital platforms and reproductive health information: Navigating legal and ethical boundaries

In today's digital age, the dissemination of reproductive health information has shifted significantly to online platforms, offering unparalleled accessibility while presenting a myriad of legal and ethical challenges. This paper investigates the complex interplay between digital platforms and reproductive health information, navigating the intricate landscape of laws and regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, and examining the challenges in enforcing these regulations across diverse platforms and jurisdictions. Ethical considerations loom large, necessitating a delicate balance between accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs and perspectives of users while safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality. Through case studies and examples, real-world challenges faced by digital platforms, including misinformation, censorship dilemmas, and data privacy breaches, are explored, highlighting the importance of clear policies, robust data protection measures, and stakeholder collaboration. Looking ahead, the paper identifies future trends and recommendations for enhancing the responsible dissemination of reproductive health information online, advocating for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and ongoing research to address emerging challenges effectively. In conclusion, concerted efforts from stakeholders are called for to prioritize the responsible provision of reproductive health information online, ensuring that legal, ethical, and public health considerations are balanced effectively in the digital realm.

Adolescents' Knowledge and Attitudes about Contraception, Sexuality, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Pelvic Health

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can cause serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cervical cancer. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to risk-taking behaviors, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use. Our study aimed to examine the knowledge about contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted infections, and attitudes toward sexual health education among adolescents in Croatia. Methods: The participants were high school students aged 16 to 18 years. The study was conducted at Antun Gustav Matoš Gymnasium, Zabok. We obtained study data via an anonymous survey. Results: The study included 204 adolescents in their final years of high school. The total number of adolescents who had sexual intercourse was 47 (23%). The percentage of sexually active female and male adolescents was 21% and 27%, respectively. In the surveyed group of adolescents, 86% had never heard of subcutaneous progestin implants and 72% had never heard of contraceptive sponges. All adolescents had heard of oral contraceptives and condoms. In the surveyed group of adolescents, 58% had never heard of trichomoniasis and 10% had never heard of HSV. All adolescents had heard of HIV and syphilis. A total of 147 (72%) of the surveyed adolescents believed it as necessary to provide health education in schools. Conclusion: The initiation of sexual activity among adolescents in Croatia remains unchanged when compared to previous studies. Their current knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive methods should be improved through continuous, well-designed, and comprehensive sexual health education.

How Prepared Are Teachers to Provide Comprehensive Sexual Health Education?

Quality sexual health education requires that the curriculum is taught by knowledgeable, skilled, and comfortable educators. However, we know little about teachers’ preparedness to provide comprehensive sexual health education. We surveyed 412 current elementary, middle, and high school teachers in one Canadian province to examine their attitudes toward, training for, and experience with providing comprehensive sexual health education. Teachers reported very positive attitudes toward sexual health education and most were in favor of introducing age-appropriate sexual health education in elementary school. Teachers reported little to no formal training at either the pre-service or in-service level but had engaged in self-directed learning. A multiple regression analysis found that teachers who were younger, with more experience providing sexual health education, positive attitudes toward sexual health education, and in-service training reported engaging in significantly more self-directed learning. Teachers with more experience providing sexual health education, positive attitudes toward sexual health education, pre-service training, and self-directed learning reported greater comfort in providing sexual health education. Although these results support the many calls for better teacher training, they also suggest that efforts to improve the quality of sexual health education instruction might be better focused on enhancing access to quality materials for self-directed learning.

Unmet need for contraception among married women in the Kyrgyz Republic using the datasets from the 2006, 2014 and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey: a cross-sectional study.

Since the beginning of the family program in 1998, the proportion of married women who used contraception has fluctuated. An unmet need for contraception among women in Kyrgyzstan drastically increased from 2006 (1.1%) to 2014 (19.1%), and remained unchanged until 2018 (19.0%). This study aims to re-investigate the prevalence of an unmet need for contraception from 2006 to 2018 in a comprehensive manner, and examine the factors associated with an unmet need for contraception among married women over the course of 12years in the Kyrgyz Republic. This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data that derived from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The study employed three datasets from the MICS 2006, 2014, and 2018. The study included a total of 9,229 women aged 15-49 who were married and fecund, and whose status of the met/unmet need for contraception could be identified. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the relationship of an unmet need for contraception with independent factors. A P value < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. The prevalence of an unmet need for contraception was 19.9% in 2006, 20.4% in 2014, and 22.5% in 2018. Across 12years, all reversible-contraceptive methods for women constantly declined. Although intrauterine devices were the prominent contraceptive method of usage among Kyrgyz women, the trend of usage drastically decreased over time. Factors associated with unmet need for contraception included women's age, area of residence, mother tongue of household head, age of husband, and number of children ever born. The unmet need for contraception among married Kyrgyz women slightly increased, and the trend of modern contraceptive usage declined from 2006 to 2018, particularly the use of pills, injections, and intra-uterine devices. Comprehensive sexual health education for young people and youth-friendly services should be promoted. An effective and reliable supply chain of contraceptive commodities should be prioritized and strengthened. Regular supportive supervision visits are essential to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers to be able to provide intrauterine device service as a contraceptive choice for Kyrgyz women.

"Sandpaper. Yeah.”: Educators’ embodied insights into comprehensive sexual health education pedagogy

In this arts-informed inquiry, I examine Canadian sex educators’ embodied sense-making of comprehensive sexual health education (CSHE). I seek to understand how educators use their bodies to negotiate contested pedagogical terrain in order to gain insights into conflicting patterns observed in the literature, as well as to challenge how educators’ personal pedagogies may be implicated in uneven enactments of CSHE. Using sensory ethnographic principles, I focus inquiry on educators’ embodied experiences of contentious pedagogical practices, including the over-reliance on institutionalized forms of knowledge. I conceptualize their experiences as “interchange”— the sense of simultaneous bodily gaining and giving in response to the social-political demands of teaching CSHE. I analyze two focal experiences of interchange—namely, Feeling Right(s) and Be/ing Schooled—to highlight paradoxical frictions of educators’ personal and pedagogical anti-oppressive aims. Last, I utilize Maclaren’s concept of “unfreedom” to discuss addressing problematic CSHE practices as an intersubjective project.

Use of contraceptives and associated factors among male adolescents in rural secondary schools, Coast Region, Tanzania: a school-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundTeenage pregnancy is still one of the reproductive health concerns facing adolescents in Tanzania. The problem has been associated with physiological, psychological, and social changes and increases the risk of unsafe abortion and adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes among adolescents. Low utilization of contraceptive methods among adolescents is one of the key causes. The strategy of involving male adolescents in sexual and reproductive health programs can increase the rate of contraceptive use among adolescents, thereby preventing teenage pregnancy.ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with the uptake of contraceptives among male secondary school adolescent students.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in rural secondary schools in Kisarawe District, Coast Region, Tanzania. Multi-stage sampling methods were used to recruit participants. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence and factors associated with contraceptive use. 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 were considered statistical significance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were tested for the Crude Odds Ratio (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) respectively.ResultsThe study involved 422 male students with the majority of them 58.1% aged 17–19 years, 50.2% were Muslim, 76.3% were studying in government schools, 62.3% were from households size of 4–6 members, 87.4% were not in a relationship, and 64.2% were living with both parents. Less than half (38.9%) of male students reported ever having sex in their lifetime, and among them, very few (29.8%) used any method of contraceptive. The reported lowest age for the first sex was 10 years. The male condom was the most method used (69.4%) and Pharmacy/Chemist Shops were the common source of contraceptive services (55.1%). Students who had adequate knowledge of contraceptives were more likely to report the use of contraceptive methods compared to those who had inadequate knowledge (AOR = 2.704, 95% CI: 1.220–5.995, p = 0.014). Participants in Private schools were 4.3 times more likely to report the use of contraceptives than those in government schools (AOR = 4.347, 95% CI: 1.758–10.762, p = 0.01). Students in a relationship were 3.5 times more likely than those not in a relationship to report the use of a contraceptive method (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.421–8.670, p = 0.006).ConclusionThe study found the low use of contraceptives among male adolescents who ever had sex in their lifetime. Thus, it’s suggested that age-tailored comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education should start to be taught from a very young age as adolescents initiate sex at an early age. Also, Teenage pregnancy prevention programs should involve males as the key players during the development and implementation of the program as most of the decisions among partners are from men.

Awareness and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Rwanda: findings from a web-based survey.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill aimed at reducing HIV transmission risk when taken as prescribed. It's highly recommended for high-risk Men who have sex with Men (MSM). This study aimed to assess PrEP awareness and willingness to use it among Rwandan MSM, a critical aspect given PrEP's proven effectiveness. The findings are expected to inform policy decisions and further advance the implementation of PrEP strategies. This is a cross-sectional study design that utilized a web-based survey conducted between April and June 2019 to assess awareness and willingness to use PrEP among sexually active MSM in Rwanda. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants via social media such as WhatsApp and e-mail. Eligibility criteria included being sexually active, aged ≥18 years, self-identifying as MSM, residing in Rwanda, self-reported engagement in receptive or insertive anal sex in the last 12 months, and self-reported HIV-negative serostatus. We assessed two primary outcomes: PrEP awareness (having ever heard of PrEP) and willingness to use PrEP within one month of completing the survey. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify participant characteristics associated with PrEP awareness and willingness to use it. Out of 521 participants, the majority (73%) demonstrated awareness of PrEP. Factors linked to PrEP awareness included residing outside the capital, Kigali, being in the 18-29 age group, having higher education levels, perceiving a benefit from PrEP, and engaging in vaginal sex with a woman while using a condom in the last year. Additionally, 96% of participants expressed a strong willingness to use PrEP. Rwandan MSM exhibits a high level of PrEP awareness, notably associated with factors like location, age, education, perceived benefits, and condom use. The study also revealed a strong willingness to use PrEP, indicating promising prospects for its adoption among this group. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns, personalized interventions, and comprehensive sexual health education to promote PrEP adoption and strengthen HIV prevention efforts among Rwandan MSM.

Implementing Comprehensive Sex and Sexuality Education in Kindergarten-Grade 12 Schools: Guiding Practices and Examples.

Comprehensive sex and sexuality education (CSE) is an evidence-based intervention associated with improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Currently, there are no standardized requirements for sex and sexuality education in the United States, despite expert recommendations. In the United States, a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child theoretical model proposed by the Centers for Disease Control, and current examples of school sex education policy is used to make recommendations for the standardization of comprehensive sexual health education in K-12 schools. This article describes the necessary components to adopt CSE equitably, and provides an example of the process implemented to improve CSE in 1 school district in Pittsburgh, PA. Understanding the key components of legislation that align with recommended standards, and the process of advocating for school policy change, allows local advocacy groups and education policymakers to create and pass feasible legislation that will ensure appropriate instruction. There is additional room for improvement in states and local districts that have current CSE legislation, to adopt approaches grounded in frameworks that critically evaluate social determinants of health and amend legislation to further improve health equity. Several states and local districts have passed CSE regulations, and are implementing and evaluating their efficacy, providing support and examples for other regions interested in adopting similar policies and processes. Pittsburgh Public Schools can be used as an example adapting current legislation and adopting more comprehensive language.

Patterns of Reproductive Health and Sexuality Learning among Private High School Students at Yayasan Perguruan Mayjend Sutoyo in Medan

The surge in premarital sexual incidents among teenagers leading to early marriages, prompted by unintended pregnancies, pervasive dating behavior beyond ethical boundaries, exposure to explicit content, and the prevalence of sexual diseases, underscores the critical need for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education. This study explores the patterns and strategies employed in imparting sexual education and managing reproductive health among students at Yayasan Perguruan Mayjend Sutoyo High School, Sisingamangaraja Street, Medan. Employing qualitative methods, data was gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with students, Biology teachers, the School Principal, parents, and other stakeholders. The findings reveal that sexual education primarily stems from Biology teachers, who employ tactful language to teach human anatomy, reproductive organs, and sexual functions, adhering to contextual norms. Reproductive health education addresses the dynamics and consequences of casual sexual relationships, utilizing age-appropriate teaching materials. Teenagers seek diverse knowledge from parents, school descriptions, and online resources to navigate sexual and reproductive health challenges. However, the discreet provision of sexual education is influenced by traditional cultural values, fostering silence and shame, particularly in discussing male and female genitalia.

Determinants of Induced Abortion Intention among Adolescents Seeking Youth-Friendly Services in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Background: Approximately 6.4 million women die because of unsafe abortion in Africa. Abortion contributes to 35% of maternal deaths nationally, out of these adolescents account for 17%. Homa Bay County is among the 15 high-burden counties in the country, which accounts for 97% of maternal deaths. Interestingly, 23% of the deaths are as a result of teenage pregnancy. The study aimed to determine the induced abortion intention among adolescents seeking youth-friendly services in Homa Bay County.&#x0D; Methods And Material: A cross-sectional was implemented for the study from April to June 2020. Systematic random sampling was used to select 332 participants among 1652 adolescents in the study areas. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. Univariate analysis, stepwise selection and multivariate logistic regression were employed to find determinants of induced abortion intention. The study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMU/COR: 509099) and NACOSTI offered a research permit NACOSTI/P/20/4496.&#x0D; Results: The study revealed a significant association between induced abortion intention and being multiparous (OR: 0.064; 95% CI: 0.005-0.918: p= 0.028). The current study found a strong association between adolescents' belief that their physical health reduces the likelihood of pregnancy from unprotected sex. Respondents who had a low perception of physical health were susceptible and had higher odds of having induced abortion intention. Similarly, the respondents who agreed that they do not talk to their partners about pregnancy were thrice as likely to have had induced abortion intention (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7- 6.1: p= 0.0002). In addition, those who believed that if they continued with the pregnancy their academic career would be endangered were 4.3 times as likely to have had induced abortion intention (OR: 4.3: 95% CI: 2.2 – 8.1; p &lt; 0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study, induced abortion intention was significant among adolescents who had a misinformed perception of their physical health and chances of getting pregnant even if they practised unprotected sex, lacked disclosure to partners and were urged not to discontinue their career and profession. Governments should embrace and operationalize multisectoral and pre-counselling approaches coupled with comprehensive sexual reproductive health education in and out of school in Adolescents programs. Similarly, Adolescent' programs should scale up male involvement.

Factors Associated with Condom Use among Community College Students

The incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased over the past decade, with half of all new diagnoses occurring in young people ages 15-24 years. Despite the risk, college students report low rates of condom use during sex. This study investigated factors associated with condom use in college students with the intent to inform health education strategies. In this cross-sectional study, a 40-item survey was administered to a random sample of classes at a community college in Central California. A total of 883 students participated. A multivariate logistic regression model identified factors associated with condom use, controlling for demographics, knowledge, and perceptions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condoms.Hispanic/Latino respondents had higher rates of condom use compared to non-Hispanic/Latinos, as did non-White respondents compared to White respondents, non-females, and individuals who were not in a relationship. Regression results revealed that assertive negotiation (i.e., directly requesting to use condoms) was the most significant influencer of condom use. STI knowledge was not associated with condom use, nor was perceived seriousness or susceptibility to STIs.While traditional health promotion programs focus on knowledge and access to condoms, these results suggest that additional factors influence condom use, including the ability to directly request condom use with partners. In addition to topics such as STIs, contraception, and pregnancy, comprehensive sexual health education should also include communication and negotiation strategies between partners, through a lens that includes all sexualities and gender identities.

Comprehensive Sexual Health Educational Learning Modules for College Students.

Sexual health education in the United States continues to be a controversial topic of discussion with no federal regulations. Due to this, the sex education students receive before college varies greatly. Our team discovered that no mandatory, comprehensive sexual health education is required for students once they enter the California State University system. At Cal Poly specifically, it was found that students were engaging in risky sexual behaviors. For example, the 2021 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III Fall 2021 Data Report revealed that less than half (42.1%) of students reported regularly using condoms during vaginal sex, and a mere 5.1% of students reported barrier method use during oral sex. To fill in the noticed gaps in our students' sexual health education, our team developed a set of 10 comprehensive sexual health educational learning modules. The modules cover topics ranging from condom use and STIs to pleasure, porn literacy, and having difficult conversations with a partner. This anonymous online resource provides students with easy-to-read written material and engaging graphics. Future research will focus on user engagement and the effect of the resource on sexual health best practices across our campus.

The “memeification” of sexual health communication on Instagram

ABSTRACT The lack of accurate and comprehensive sexual health education in the USA persists as a pressing public health issue. The Sex Wrap (TSW) is a multimedia sexual health podcast and social media presence that educates followers on sexual health and ancillary themes such as sexuality, relationships and communication. TSW’s Instagram account repackages the evidence-based sexual health information discussed during the podcast into Internet memes. We analysed the top-performing TSW posts from Jan 2019-Dec 2020 according to Instagram’s engagement metrics to determine what type of posts were most interesting to followers and begin to understand how social media helps drive interventions. The meme-based sexual health intervention via TSW’s Instagram increased engagement, improved reach, and converted followers to podcast listeners. Insight data demonstrates how social media can address the sexual health education disparities caused by the failure of abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) curricula. This case study exhibits how social media-based interventions can comprehensively fill existing gaps in sexual health education.

The effectiveness of sexual health and development education given to children with intellectual disabilities: A randomized controlled study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of an educational program implemented to support the sexual health and development of children with intellectual disabilities, using the Mastery Learning Model, on their knowledge of sexual health and development, as well as on their mothers' awareness of their children's sexual development. MethodThis study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with 48 children who have intellectual disabilities, divided into two groups: an education group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The program implemented was a sexual health and development education program based on the Mastery Learning Model. The data collection tools used were ‘The Sexual Development Characteristics of Children with Adolescent Intellectual Disability Scale’ for mothers and ‘The Sexual Development Knowledge Assessment Scale for Children with Intellectual Disabilities’ for children. ResultsFollowing the educational program, the children in the education group demonstrated an increase in knowledge regarding their sexual development and health. Additionally, the mothers in the education group showed an increased awareness of their children's sexual health and development. One month after implementing the education program, which utilized mastery learning, the children in the education group exhibited a greater level of knowledge compared to the control group. ConclusionThis study utilized the Mastery Learning Model to achieve effective and comprehensive sexual health and development education for children with intellectual disabilities. Practice implicationsPediatric and school nurses are recommended to use the Mastery Learning Model for sexual health education in clinics and school health practices.