Comprehensive Sex Education Programs Research Articles

Capacity mapping of comprehensive sexuality education in Gabon: A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is crucial for adolescent health and well-being. Following UNESCO’s recommendations, Gabon revised its sex education policy in 2017 to better address adolescents’ sexual health needs. This study aims to map the capacities of the public health and education sector to implement Gabon’s CSE policy. Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 professionals from ministries, NGOs, and development partners. Thematic analysis guided by Aluttis et al’s public health capacity model allowed to assess the existing capacities and gaps in leadership, organizational structures, partnerships, resources, and knowledge development for CSE. Results The implementation of CSE in Gabon is hindered by sociocultural and political factors, including the taboo on adolescent sexuality influencing perceptions of CSE content, natalist policies, and socio-economic disparities. Governmental involvement in CSE is limited to key ministries. Organizational structures for CSE lack cohesion due to changes in governance regimes and a lack of support for civil society organizations. Human resources are unevenly distributed, and financial constraints impede government initiatives, causing a strong reliance on external funding. An important role in supporting CSE is played by development partners and partnerships between stakeholders. While knowledge development for CSE is underway, monitoring and evaluation procedures are insufficient, and evidence mobilization by key professionals is insufficient. Conclusions Enhancing stakeholder collaboration, addressing structural constraints, and mobilizing human and financial resources are critical for effective CSE implementation in Gabon. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated efforts among stakeholders and addressing systemic challenges. This study provides insights for policymakers and practitioners to strengthen CSE programs and promote adolescent sexual health in Gabon. Key messages • CSE implementation is hindered by taboos on adolescent sexuality, natalist policies, and socio-economic gaps. • Evaluation and evidence mobilization deficits limit effectiveness.

Refining out-of-school youth sexualities empowerment programmes using a sexual and reproductive citizenship lens: the Masizixhobise toolkit

ABSTRACT Out-of-school comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programmes are viewed by UNFPA as important in empowering youth. These programmes may, however, be critiqued for, firstly, inadvertently equating empowerment with individual agency to the exclusion of social justice; and, secondly, using the word empowerment as a self-evident signifier. We propose that empowerment be conceptualised within a critical sexual and reproductive citizenship (CSRC) framework that draws on feminist and queer re-workings of the principles of citizenship. To operationalise this conceptualisation, we developed the Masizixhobise toolkit from the five key issues outlined in the CSRC framework. The aim of the toolkit is to aid in the design and refinement of theoretically embedded empowerment CSE programmes. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of the toolkit. To do so, we analyse the Partners in Sexual Health’s (PSH) Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights facilitator’s manual. A template analysis was conducted on this manual using a priori of themes from the toolkit. We sift through the PSH manual’s alignments or misalignments with the CSRC framework and make recommendations for enhancing the empowerment components of the manual. This example may assist others in designing and refining theoretically embedded and socially just youth empowerment CSE programmes.

Acceptability and Fidelity of a Media Literacy Education-Based, Comprehensive Sexual Health Program for College Students: A Multi-Method Student-Centered Evaluation

The present study compares the feasibility and acceptability of two asynchronous, interactive, 2-3-hour, online interventions: Media Aware, which is a comprehensive sex education program, taught from a media literacy perspective and Health Aware, which is a comprehensive sex education program containing identical sexual health content, but no media literacy content. Among n = 649 community college students, both programs were equivalently high in program fidelity (88% completed all lessons) and acceptability (average 90% positive ratings). Qualitative analyses revealed that both programs were informative and usable, with few criticisms besides program length. Results suggest, both programs represent promising approaches to sex education for college students.

Stop leaving people with disability behind: Reviewing comprehensive sexuality education for people with disability

Background: The pathologisation of people with disability1 has long affected the educational quality of the sexuality education they receive. Whilst concern for people with disability has been growing in some comprehensive sexuality education settings, the quality of education in these spaces is variable and typically accommodations for people with disability are not made. The lack of accessibility fosters few opportunities to learn about and practise skills related to establishing and maintaining social relationships, including platonic, romantic and sexual relationships, thereby limiting informed decision-making. Moreover, the lack of good quality sexuality education significantly increases the risk of sexual abuse, assault, and family and domestic violence – impacting people with disability’s self-determination, autonomy and ultimately, ability to work, live independently, and maintain their mental and physical health. Objective: Few reviews of comprehensive sexuality education programmes for people with disability have been reported. Therefore, four current comprehensive sexuality education programmes for people with disability were reviewed, including their content and the topics included; the feasibility of implementation including costs; different accessibility considerations for varied learners and disabilities; and methods of delivery. This allowed an assessment of their strengths and opportunities for people with disability. Results: The review highlighted strong positive changes occurring within the field, as well as challenges due to funding limitations, and the extensive number of topics under comprehensive sexuality education that need to be addressed in teaching and delivering quality comprehensive sexuality education to people with disability. Conclusion: Informed by the evidence in this review, we advocate for the inclusion of a more comprehensive range of topics, including gender and sexuality diversity within accessible comprehensive sexuality education for people with disability, and the establishment of appropriate forms of teacher education and training to increase confidence and comfort when delivering comprehensive sexuality education to people with disability.

Introducing comprehensive sexuality education in Italian schools: from the co-construction to the evaluation of a pilot intervention

IntroductionSchool-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a powerful tool that provides young people with information on all aspects of sexuality and is aimed at protecting their sexual and reproductive health and well-being throughout their lives. Currently, CSE is not integrated within the schools’ curriculum in Italy. This study describes the co-construction, implementation, and evaluation of a CSE project piloted among students attending lower secondary schools, in four regions of Italy. Evidence-based evaluation will be helpful in promote the inclusion of CSE programs in the Italian schools’ curriculum.MethodsThe pilot scheme was co-constructed by a multidisciplinary curriculum development group through a Delphi process, including educators who conducted the activities. The evaluation followed three directions: the program (based on a literature review of CSE principles and recommended characteristics), implementation (assessing the execution of the program through the analysis of the reflection tools used by the educators), and short-term outcomes (assessing critical thinking and conscious behavioural choices through pre-post and satisfaction surveys).ResultsThe main goal, learning modules and content were defined and structured in five interventions with the students, and two with families and teachers. A total of 638 students were involved in the activity, across 11 schools. Data analysis of pre/post surveys reported a significant increase in knowledge in 12 of the 15 items investigated (p < 0.05), and a high level of satisfaction with the topics addressed. Qualitative analysis added information on the pivotal role of educators in CSE.ConclusionsThe national piloting of this educational activity provided positive insights regarding the co-construction, implementation and short-outcome evaluation, suggesting potential for scalability and future inclusion of CSE in the curricula of Italian schools.

Body Self-Esteem and Sexual Satisfaction in Chilean Adults: Implications for Comprehensive Sexual Education

Sex education is a complex and often controversial issue, and in Chile, this is no exception. The country's progress towards a curriculum that extends beyond public health-related sex topics has experienced ups and downs, resulting in the current lack of a comprehensive program. Comprehensive sexual education (CSE) programs typically include topics known to have a positive effect on individuals' overall sexual health, such as body self-esteem. The effectiveness of these programs can be measured through individuals' sexual satisfaction. Given the limited national evidence on this subject, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between body self-esteem and sexual satisfaction in Chilean adults, considering various socio-demographic variables. The sample consisted of 203 cisgender individuals who completed body self-esteem and sexual satisfaction scales. The results indicated a positive relationship between body self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. Using multiple regression, it was found that body self-esteem explained 17% of sexual satisfaction variability. These findings underscore the importance of sex education and its impact on individuals' sexual well-being.

Empowering Futures: Intersecting Comprehensive Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents With Sustainable Development Goals.

This scoping review synthesizes the intersection of comprehensive sexual education (CSE) for children and adolescents with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to assess the potential for empowering future generations. Considering the global challenges in addressing sexual health, this review explores the potential role of CSE in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in the context of empowering youth and ensuring their well-being. The review begins by providing a comprehensive overview of CSE, emphasizing its role in promoting informed decision-making, gender equality, and preventing sexual and reproductive health issues among young individuals. It then delves into the overarching framework of the SDGs, mainly focusing on goals related to health, education, gender equality, and sustainable development. The synthesis examines the alignment and potential synergies between CSE and various SDGs, highlighting how CSE can contribute to outcomes such as improved health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. Furthermore, the review brings attention to potential challenges and barriers in implementing CSE programs in different cultural and socio-economic contexts.Ultimately, this scoping review provides a critical analysis of the intersection between CSE and the SDGs, offering insights into how the comprehensive education of children and adolescents in sexual and reproductive health can play a significant role in advancing sustainable development and empowering future generations worldwide.

Cultural appropriateness of a comprehensive sexuality education programme. Implications for programme adaptation and implementation in Zambia

ABSTRACT Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) inclusive of cultural values and viewpoints is vital for promoting healthy sexual behaviour among adolescents. Although culture forms a huge part of the adolescent’s external environment and influences sexual behaviour, it is not always clear how culture has been conceptualised and integrated into CSE. We conducted a document review and interviews in nine selected schools in Kitwe district, Zambia. In-depth interviews (50) and two focus groups took place with 64 purposefully selected participants including pupils (35), parents (4), teachers (17), policymakers (4) and religious leaders (4). Data collection continued until saturation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed six main themes: the relevance of culturally appropriate CSE; lack of cultural diversity; the breakdown of traditional and social fabrics; imported CSE Western content; lack of participatory and learner-centred approaches to CSE; and age-inappropriate CSE. Analysis of the Zambian CSE framework revealed no evidence of culture being conceptualised and incorporated into the CSE curriculum. There is a need to ensure that CSE programmes are adapted to the cultural contexts in which they are applied. Engagement with the local community may be helpful in this respect.

It's more than just beating teen pregnancy: Incentivizing comprehensive sex education programs in the United States

AbstractCurrently in the United States, many states provide abstinence only education to students, if sexual education is mandatory at all. This is largely because of the 2017 policy that redirected funding through grants from comprehensive sexual education to abstinence only education. This Note proposes that the current administration redirect the money back to comprehensive sexual education policies that were productive during the early 2010s. The federal government should also provide a level‐based curriculum to states to ease the implementation of comprehensive sexual education in schools.

How to decrease teenage pregnancy: rural perspectives in Ecuador.

This study aimed to understand the sociocultural context of teenage pregnancy in an Ecuadorian city with a large indigenous population, to gauge the acceptability of a multifaceted pregnancy prevention program for adolescents, and to elicit perspectives on the optimal program design from adolescents and adult key informants. We ascertained qualitative data via an online, electronic survey administered from August to September 2020. Open- and closed-ended questions elicited perspectives relating to burden of adolescent pregnancies, acceptability of pregnancy prevention programs, and optimal design of future programs. Twenty-four adolescents (13-19 years of age) and 15 adult key informants working in the healthcare, business, and education sectors in Cotacachi completed the survey. Survey responses were analyzed using a structural and in vivo coding, and an inductive approach to consensus-building around key themes. Most adolescent survey respondents (75%) believed that teen pregnancy is "fairly common" in Cotacachi, and 41.7% believed differences in teen pregnancy rates are not associated with ethnicity. In comparison, 66.7% of adult survey respondents said teen pregnancy disproportionately occurs among indigenous teenagers. Additionally, 45.8% of adolescent and 80% of adult survey respondents believed that a comprehensive sexual education program would help reduce teenage pregnancy rates by imparting reliable sexual health knowledge. Adult respondents noted that the past programs were unsuccessful in preventing teenage pregnancy because of these programs' inability to fully engage teenagers' attention, very short time duration, or inappropriate consideration of cultural context. In Cotacachi, Ecuador, a sexual health education program is both desired and feasible according to adult and teenager key informants. A successful program must adapt to the cultural context and engage youth participation and attention.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Adolescent Pregnancy Among an Indigenous Ethnic Group in Rural Nepal: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study.

The Chepang people, an indigenous ethnic group in Nepal, experience substantial marginalization and socioeconomic disadvantages, making their communities among the most vulnerable in the region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in the Chepang communities of Raksirang Rural Municipality, Makwanpur District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023 among 231 Chepang women selected using simple random sampling from Raksirang Rural Municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing the mothers. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Variables with a variation inflation factor of more than 2 and a p-value of more than 0.25 were excluded from the final model. The study revealed that the prevalence rate of adolescent pregnancy among Chepang women was 71.4% (95% CI, 65.14 to 77.16). A large percentage of participants (72.7%) were married before the age of 18 years. Poor knowledge of adolescent pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.3; 95% CI, 8.42 to 14.87), unplanned pregnancy (aOR, 13.3; 95% CI, 10.76 to 19.2), and lack of sex education (aOR, 6.57; 95% CI, 3.85 to 11.27) were significantly associated with adolescent pregnancy. The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy among the Chepang community was high. These findings highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the potential consequences of adolescent pregnancy and implementing comprehensive sexuality education programs for preventing adolescent pregnancies within this community.

Exploring the multi-level impacts of a youth-led comprehensive sexuality education model in Madagascar using Human-centered Design methods.

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is recognized as a critical tool for addressing sexuality and reproductive health challenges among adolescents. However, little is known about the broader impacts of CSE on populations beyond adolescents, such as schools, families, and communities. This study explores multi-level impacts of an innovative CSE program in Madagascar, which employs young adult CSE educators to teach a three-year curriculum in government middle schools across the country. The two-phased study embraced a participatory approach and qualitative Human-centered Design (HCD) methods. In phase 1, 90 school principals and administrators representing 45 schools participated in HCD workshops, which were held in six regional cities. Phase 2 took place one year later, which included 50 principals from partner schools, and focused on expanding and validating findings from phase 1. From the perspective of school principals and administrators, the results indicate several areas in which CSE programming is having spill-over effects, beyond direct adolescent student sexuality knowledge and behaviors. In the case of this youth-led model in Madagascar, the program has impacted the lives of students (e.g., increased academic motivation and confidence), their parents (e.g., strengthened family relationships and increased parental involvement in schools), their schools (e.g., increased perceived value of schools and teacher effectiveness), their communities (e.g., increased community connections), and impacted broader structural issues (e.g., improved equity and access to resources such as menstrual pads). While not all impacts of the CSE program were perceived as positive, the findings uncovered opportunities for targeting investments and refining CSE programming to maximize positive impacts at family, school, and community levels.

High-risk sexual behavior among Malaysian adolescents who use drugs: a mixed-methods study of a sample in rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Background The high-risk sexual behaviors of drug-using adolescents in Malaysia is an under-researched topic. Methods Eighty adolescents undergoing rehabilitation participated in this mixed-methods study. Results The sample was mostly males (70%), and the mean age was 18.2 years (SD = 1.40). More than three-fifths (63%) had used only methamphetamine and the mean duration of all drug use was 3.15 years. Sixty-nine percent reported previous sexual experience. High-risk sexual behaviors include having unprotected sex (11%), sex with more than one person (84%), and sex under the influence of drugs (94%). About 44% of the sample had intimate partners who use drugs. Most respondents (64%) were aware of the advantages of safe sex and were familiar with HIV transmission modes (74%). Results from multivariate logistic analysis indicate that females had significantly higher odds of engaging in unprotected sex and having intimate partners who use drugs, relative to males; males were, however, more likely to have sex under the influence of drugs. Responses from the interviews suggest that adolescents who use drugs engage in high-risk sexual behaviors primarily because drugs are used to enhance sex. Conclusions A comprehensive sex education program tailored for drug-using adolescents should be made an integral part of rehabilitation.

(048) Women's Knowledge about Female Masturbation

Abstract Introduction The scarcity of in-depth studies on female masturbation testifies to the lack of attention paid to this crucial subject and to the cultural hurdles to talking about such a subject. This absence of evidence prevents healthcare practitioners from understanding women's experiences, needs, and challenges regarding their sexuality and sexual autonomy. It is therefore imperative to fill this knowledge gap with research studies that look at the cultural, social, and religious specificities specific to female masturbation. Objective The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of women regarding female masturbation taking into consideration their cultural, social, and religious backgrounds. Methods We present a cross-sectional study based on an online 15-item questionnaire posted once per week, 5 weeks in a row from March 14, 2023. The online self-administered questionnaire was presented in the local written dialect. The questionnaire was divided into a sociodemographic section, a general knowledge assessment of genitalia and the sexual female function, and a section about the misconceptions and knowledge about female masturbation. All participants were self-designated female participants over the age of 18, recruited from sports centers' Facebook and Instagram pages. Results The study included 213 participants, 82% of who have attended high education institutions, and 70% were single. The mean age was 25 [18, 45]. Internet was the participants' primary informational source in 64%. Friends were the second source of information with 15%. With regard to the participants' knowledge, the results of the study reveal a diversity of levels of knowledge within our population. Some participants demonstrated a limited or incorrect understanding of female masturbation, often influenced by cultural, and religious beliefs or preconceived ideas. This inaccurate knowledge contributes to the spread of negative stereotypes and judgments about practice. Conclusions It is important to recognize that female masturbation often remains a difficult subject to discuss and is surrounded by social taboos. In light of our findings, it is clear that additional efforts are needed to promote better understanding and acceptance of female masturbation through comprehensive sexuality education programs. Disclosure No.

“My life would not be the same”: a qualitative, retrospective evaluation of the post-programme outcomes of an in-school comprehensive sexuality education programme in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Little is known about the outcomes of in-school comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) programmes two or more years after programme completion, particularly in low-income countries. Projet Jeune Leader, a youth-founded Malagasy organisation, conducted a retrospective, qualitative evaluation of a CSE programme in Madagascar. The objective was to explore how former participants assessed the programme’s influence on their behaviours and lives. Our team conducted in-depth interviews with 34 young people (16–24 years old) who had participated in the programme when they were in middle school. We then synthesised the data using qualitative thematic analysis. Most interviewees indicated that the CSE programme positively contributed to some aspect of their transition to adulthood. Some reported safer sex practices, refraining from drug and alcohol use, and pregnancy prevention, while others reported improved relationships, and acts of leadership. While it is not clear which elements of the programme facilitated these changes, participants made recurrent references to relatable CSE educators and engaging pedagogy in their responses. These results encourage further research on the multi-faceted, and in some cases, non-health-related, outcomes of in-school CSE programmes in low-income countries. The work also provides critical youth-driven insights into CSE programme design to guide future programme planning and evaluation efforts.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Contraceptive Use among Female University Students in a Higher Institution in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

Background: The rate of unwanted pregnancies among university students is increasing each year, despite extensive public awareness of and access to contraceptives. The study is centered on women since, historically, when it comes to contraception, women have borne a disproportionate share of the burden, and if birth control fails to work, their bodies will be the ones to bear the consequences. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of female undergraduate students of a higher institution in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, towards contraceptive use. The results of the study may be utilized as a guide to formulate effective health education strategies for university health nurses for this vulnerable population. Methods: A quantitative correlational design was used in this study, which utilized Google Forms to collect data from four hundred fourteen (414) respondents selected through purposive sampling at a higher education institution. The researchers utilized a researcher-made questionnaire to assess general awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward contraceptive use. Results: The study revealed that most of the respondents are generally aware of the proper usage of contraceptives, highly knowledgeable, and have a positive attitude towards contraceptive use. Most of the respondents obtained this knowledge from media sources. Apart from the relationship status, other demographic factors have no significant correlation with the knowledge and attitude towards contraception of the respondents. Notably, results show that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use among undergraduate female students. Conclusion: The research indicates that a knowledge-rich community can have an impact on attitudes toward contraceptive use. The researchers recommend extensive and comprehensive sexual education programs in academic institutions to address this reproductive health concern among university students.

Sexual Health Literacy Level and Associated Sociodemographic Factors among Sri Lankan Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Selected Urban and Rural Areas in Kandy District

Abstract Introduction: This study addresses a gap in the existing literature by investigating the sexual health literacy (SHL) of adolescents in the Kandy district of Sri Lanka. Methods: This was conducted in 2022 as a cross-sectional analysis study, it involved 1690 students aged 14–18 using multistage cluster sampling. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on SHL, and scores were calculated based on the HLS-EU Sinhala version. Results: Of 1675 adolescents, 49.6% lived in rural areas and 50.4% lived in urban areas. 52.5% were females and 47.5% were males. 14–16 years old were 59.8% and 17%–18% were 40.2%. The mean age was 14.0 years (standard deviation = 0.49). Regarding socioeconomic status, 46.4% (n = 777) were in the upper and lower quintiles. The results revealed that 47.4% of the total respondents exhibited limited SHL. Rural youth have significantly higher levels of limited SHL compared to their urban counterparts. The factors associated with SHL were identified through logistic regression as an urban residence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61) and older age (17–18) (OR = 0.65) was negatively associated with limited SHL. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted and comprehensive sexuality education programs tailored to the specific needs of rural adolescents in Sri Lanka.

Factors Influencing Risky Sexual Behavior: A Study of Female Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria

Background Out of 1.9 million people living with HIV in 2018, about 1.5% were within age 15 - 49 years although efforts have been made to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country but it still retains an upward trajectory in certain states due to engagement of youths in risky sexual behaviours Thus, this study examined factors influencing risky sexual behaviors among female Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria. Methods A quantitative methodological approach was adopted for this study. The study location was the University of Lagos in Nigeria. A total number of 400 sample sizes was considered for this study. The multi-stage sampling technique was applied. The questionnaire was used in the process of gathering data for this study. Frequency count and percentage, including valid percentage and cumulative percentage, were used. Results The findings of the study showed that a significant majority of respondents 367 respondents, (91.7%) have had sexual intercourse. Peer influence played a role in the first sexual activity for the majority of respondents, with 288 respondents (78.5%) indicating that their first sexual experience was influenced by their peers. The study also revealed that (62.2%) of respondents reported engaging in unprotected mouth-to-genital contact. Conclusions Notably, peer influence emerged as a crucial component of the first sexual encounters, demonstrating the influence of their peers on their choices. Recommendations such as government implementing comprehensive sex education programs that emphasize healthy relationships were made in tandem with the findings of this study

“Instead of Asking for Fare, You Ask Her to Pay with Sex”: Male Perspectives on the Factors Influencing Schoolgirls’ Participation in Age-Disparate Transactional Sex Relationships

Age-disparate transactional sex relationships are often coerced and exploitative. The gender and economic disparities between affluent men and economically disadvantaged girls often perpetuate these relationships, resulting in their exploitation. This qualitative study assessed men’s understanding of factors influencing schoolgirls’ engagement in age-disparate transactional sex relationships in two rural districts in Kenya. Four focus group sessions were conducted with men from two primary professions: motorcycle taxi operators (Boda Boda) and teachers from primary and secondary schools from two districts in Kitui South, Sub County, Kenya. Focus group data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Several influential factors associated with schoolgirls’ engagement in these transactional relationships are discussed in three broad themes: access and coercion, parental influence, and peer-related factors. Study results indicate that schoolgirls in rural areas are more susceptible to predation by men willing to trade sexual favors with underage girls. These findings make it imperative to address the predation of adolescent girls by men involved in these transactional relationships by implementing comprehensive sex education programs that empower schoolgirls to recognize and resist coercion. Additionally, implementing measures involving community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders in a collective effort to combat the exploitation of underage girls is paramount. These measures should be accompanied by the stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Exploring Perceptions and Experiences of Comprehensive Sex Education Among Adolescents

This study used a quantitative research technique to investigate teenagers' perspectives and experiences with Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) programs. The study included replies from 450 teenagers aged 14 to 18, from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Adolescents valued the thorough covering of themes (mean = 4.56) and found the content relevant (mean = 4.72), highlighting good evaluations of CSE content and delivery. The study demonstrated the necessity of engaging teaching approaches (mean = 4.38) and provided light on the need for frank talks regarding sexual health (mean = 4.24). While participants reported feeling comfortable discussing sexual health (84.4%) and believing CSE enhanced their understanding (93.3%), the reported percentage of consistent contraceptive usage (40.0%) was lower, demonstrating the difficulty in transferring knowledge into conduct. These findings are consistent with past studies, highlighting the persistent challenge to overcome the knowledge-behavior divide. The study's conclusions call for CSE programs to include practical skill-building components as well as to foster inclusive spaces that encourage open discourse about sexual health. This study contributes to the conversation around adolescent sexual health education by stressing the need of participant-centered, holistic approaches that allow teenagers to make educated decisions about their sexual well-being.