Sex Education Research Articles

Do healthy people migrate more? A 21-year follow-up of a rural cohort in Bangladesh

Demographers have long suspected that health influences whether a person migrates―a “healthy migrant effect” ―but this has rarely been tested for a longer period with high-quality, longitudinal data. This study aimed to assess which measures of health are associated with subsequent migrations among young adults from a rural community in Bangladesh, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, and how long these associations persist. The 1996 Matlab Health and Socioeconomic Survey (MHSS) characterized health (by self-reported chronic, and acute morbidity symptoms in the past 12 months and one month, respectively, and self-rated health status) of adults within the Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) cohort. Analyses included 3756 (M = 1,496, F = 2260) adults aged 18–34 years (the age when migration peaks) to study the effect of health on migration. Cox Proportional Hazards models were estimated to describe associations between health status and subsequent out-migration in 1996–2017, controlling for age, sex, education, religious affiliation, and household asset quintiles. Discrete-time logistic models were estimated to assess the sustained effects of health status measures on out-migrations. Results reveal that self-reported chronic morbidity, neither acute morbidity nor self-rated health status, inhibited subsequent migration. More reported chronic morbidity symptoms were associated with a lower migration (hazard ratio, HR = 0.82, CI = 0.74–0.92 for one symptom and HR = 0.73, CI = 0.63–0.84 for ≥2 symptoms relative to no symptoms). The differences diminished but persisted over time. Socio-demographic variables inhibiting migration were female sex, older age, and lower-level education. In conclusion, healthy young rural adults were more likely to migrate than their counterparts with symptoms of chronic morbidity, and the effect of chronic morbidity on subsequent migrations waned but not eliminated over time.

Women's satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services and associated factors in central Gondar zone public primary hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Abortion complications are the leading causes of maternal death in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Providing quality and comprehensive abortion care services is crucial for improving the health of women and increased their satisfaction. Evaluating a client's satisfaction with abortion care is clinically relevant since women's satisfaction with health services is one of the key indicators of high-quality healthcare services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess women's satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services and associated factors. An institution-based cross-sectional study was implemented among 333 women in Central Gondar Zone public primary hospitals from October 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. Eligible participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured, and pretested questionnaire. STATA version 17 and SPSS version 25 software were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with clients' satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services. A P-value of ≤0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was the cutoff point for determining statistical significance. This study revealed that the level of client satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services was 60.4% (95% CI: 55.0%, 66.0%). The use of abortion medication (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI: 2.59, 7.48), women's age 20-24 years (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.02, 8.48), and being a student (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.10, 7.51) were significantly associated with women's satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services. Women's satisfaction with comprehensive abortion care services was relatively low, and it was strongly correlated with the method of abortion, age, and occupation. To improve women's satisfaction requires a comprehensive understanding of women's values and perspectives, providing sexual and reproductive health education, and quality abortion care services are recommended.

Parents' attitudes and response to their child's pornography consumption in Australia: cross-sectional survey.

Background Parents play an important role in monitoring children's internet use, shaping their child's understanding of sex, and are key stakeholders in the development of sexual health education policies. Therefore, we investigated parents' awareness of and responses to children's pornography exposure. Methods We invited parents with children aged from 8 to 20years (n =1029) to complete an observational cross-sectional online survey about pornography and young people. Results A total of 48% of parents thought that young people view pornography rarely or never, and 21% agreed that watching pornography could be part of a healthy relationship for young people. Some parents (27%) were aware that their child had ever viewed pornography. Most parents (56%) acted on this by talking to their child, while others (10%) took no action, or restricted access to devices (6%). Discussing pornography was found to be strongly associated (P Conclusions These findings provide new insights for policy responses and can guide the development of tools to support parents to respond to their children's pornography exposure.

Knowledge and attitude towards HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer among middle- and high-school students in Gwalior

ABSTRACT Background: There is little information available regarding knowledge and attitudes towards the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccines among the students in mainland India. Furthermore, there has not been much information accessible on how to increase their understanding of and readiness to receive HPV and associated vaccines, which could be crucial for the future success of vaccination campaigns. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of middle- and high-school students towards HPV infection, HPV vaccine and cervical cancer prevention. Method: The present study was an observational study conducted from July 2023 to December 2023 in the Gwalior District of Northern India among the 490 students aged 11–16 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the students. The collected data was entered into an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for easy calculation. Frequency and percentage were calculated and significance in proportion was tested using the chi-square test. P value was judged at a 5% level of significance. Results: The average age of the student was 13.67 ± 1.95 years range between 11 years and 16 years with a 0.52:1 sex ratio. Out of the 490 enrolled participants, 41.0% of subjects had previously heard about cervical cancer. About 64.7% of students heard it from the mass media. A total of 181 (36.9%) knew that cervical cancer was caused by HPV infection. Only 168 (34.3%) participants knew the fact that men were also infected by HPV infection. Only 12.4% knew that a healthy-looking person could have an HPV infection. Only 11.6% had shown their willingness for the HPV vaccination. There was a significant difference observed among the males and females regarding knowledge questions. Males (54.76%) heard more about cervical cancer than females (33.85%). Males had more knowledge (60.1%) regarding cervical cancer caused by HPV infection as compared with females (24.8%). Conclusion: Students’ awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine was low. Training that focusses on HPV information in addition to sex education is needed to promote HPV vaccine coverage.

How does integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools shape sexuality decisions among adolescents in Zambia?: A community based participatory research driven realist evaluation study protocol

How does integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools shape sexuality decisions among adolescents in Zambia?: A community based participatory research driven realist evaluation study protocol

The Experiences of Pregnancy Among Adolescent Girls in Jordan

ObjectiveTo explore the experience of pregnancy among adolescent girls ages 16 to 19 years in Jordan. DesignDescriptive exploratory qualitative design. SettingParticipants were recruited from antenatal clinics and postpartum wards in Ministry of Health primary health care clinics and hospitals across Jordan. This included a wide geographic area in Jordan that covered several cities: Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, As-Salt, and others. ParticipantsThe total number of participants was 13. Most participants were primiparous, and three were multiparous. Five participants were recruited during the postpartum period, seven in the second and third trimester, and one during the first trimester. MeasurementsData were collected using semistructured and audio-recorded interviews and analyzed concurrently. Thematic analysis was used. A total of 13 interviews were conducted. ResultsTwo core themes emerged from the study: Navigating the Change and Reflecting on the Experience of Pregnancy. The first theme included four subthemes: Making Adjustments, Seeking Support, Searching for Information, and Feeling the Responsibility. ConclusionConsidering the impact of pregnancy on adolescent girls and their fetuses, early marriages should be reconsidered in legal and health policies in Jordan and worldwide. Adolescents expressed a need for more information about pregnancy. Age-appropriate comprehensive sexual education that includes discussion of gender issues and women’s empowerment is needed. Online sources of pregnancy information targeting the needs of adolescents are also recommended. More research is needed to explore the needs of pregnant adolescents in different social and cultural contexts.

Conceptions of Consensual versus Non-Consensual Sexual Activity among Young People from Colombia.

Conceptions or ideas that couples hold about sexual consent could be a key factor in their communication, mutual respect, and the prevention of sexual violence. The multifaceted nature of sexual consent makes it a complex concept. The aim of the present study was to explore individuals' ideas and understanding of sexual intercourse in two distinct contexts: consensual and non-consensual. We used a qualitative approach, adopting the methodology of thematic analysis. In total, 113 surveys obtained from the general population (76.1% women and 23.9% men aged 18 to 59 years) were studied. Two open-ended questions were asked about the general topic of sexual consent, where we distinguished sexual activity in which there is sexual consent vs. no consent. The phases of the thematic analysis approach were applied. For the consensual context, the following themes emerged: mutual reciprocity and respect; open, clear communication and agreements; and awareness and emotional well-being. For the non-consensual context, the following themes emerged: violence and sexual assault, absence and ambiguity of sexual consent, and lack of communication. All of these aspects should be considered in couples' communication and sexual education to facilitate and improve sexual relationships and, in turn, prevent violence and sexual aggression.

Improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services among adolescent women in Zimbabwe.

Unplanned pregnancies increased among adolescents in Zimbabwe, resulting in unsafe abortions; Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and forced marriages. Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights has been scanty among pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers owing to negative social norms; stigma and discrimination. This project specifically targeted pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers through a differentiated and targeted care approach to improve uptake and sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Target specific peer support groups for the pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers were established in Epworth district of Zimbabwe. The Champions of change, peer-based approach was used to facilitate comprehensive sexuality education. Mentors were adolescent mothers trained on how to use a tailored-made manual to facilitate sessions. Two health centers namely Epworth clinic and Overspill clinic were purposively selected to participate in this study. A total of 60 participants were recruited into this study, 30 from each clinic. Knowledge and attitude were measured using a semi-structured questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. A score-card was used to assess friendliness and quality of service provision. A Chi-square test of association was used to determine the significance of the change in outcomes. A significant improvement in knowledge on SRHR, attitudes and health care seeking behaviors was noted. There was a significant improvement attitudes and friendliness in service provision. Access to services significantly increased with improvement in relationships and trust.

Nurses' Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health to Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Review.

To explore barriers and facilitators to nurses' provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care to community-dwelling older adults. An integrative literature review was performed using Whittemore and Knafl's method. Three databases were searched for research conducted between 2012 and 2023, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to determine the quality of included studies. Nine studies were ultimately included for analysis, and themes were Barriers to SRH Care and Facilitators of SRH Care. Barriers to SRH Care included: nurses' lack of knowledge about older adults' sexual health, discomfort discussing sexual topics, age-related stereotypes regarding older adults' sexuality, and older adults' lack of knowledge of and reluctance to discuss sexuality and sexual health issues. Facilitators of SRH Care included: gender of health care provider, nursing education on effective communication strategies, encouraging open dialogue to challenge ageist perceptions, and sexual education for older adults. Findings underscore the impact of stigma and negative ageist assumptions on whether discussions about SRH occur between nurses and older adults. There is a need for comprehensive education for nurses and older adults about SRH to recognize sexual health needs and promote open and constructive conversations. Moreover, research about how to best facilitate older adults' SRH is needed. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(10), 17-23.].

Utah Young Adults Describe What They Wished They Had Learned in Sex Education: A Qualitative Study.

Utah implements an abstinence-based approach to sex education. However, research has found that abstinence-based sex education is associated with higher risk-taking behaviors, and youth would like more from their school-based sex education. This study examined what sex education information or programs young adults in Utah would have liked to receive during high school. Participants provided responses to a single open-ended question included in the Utah College Sexual Behavior Survey. The results of a thematic analysis show the emergence of four salient themes, including fundamental knowledge, contraception and sexually transmitted infection prevention, personal safety, consent, and abuse. Findings suggest that participants wanted sex education beyond just abstinence and stressed the importance of inclusive education. Recommendations for school nurses and the important role they play in delivering sex education include receiving education needed to teach sex education and working with school health educators to act as a resource.

Sex Education Among Recent High School Graduates

Abstract Introduction Sexuality education varies considerably from abstinence-only to comprehensive sex education and can influence knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about sexuality. We examined the relations among types of sex education, sex-positive and purity culture attitudes, and sexual and reproductive health knowledge among a group of diverse high school graduates. Methods This study captured the sexuality knowledge and attitudes pursuant to the type of sex education received among a sample of 1005 high school graduates. Data were collected in the summer of 2023. We used ANOVAs, MANOVA, and linear regressions to examine relations among sex education type, sexual and reproductive health knowledge, sex-positive and purity culture beliefs, and participants’ self-reported readiness for their sexual lives. Results Participants who reported receiving abstinence-only sex education endorsed more purity culture beliefs and fewer sex-positive beliefs than those who experienced comprehensive sex education. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge was poor. Participants who experienced comprehensive sex education rated that education as better preparing them for a healthy sexual life compared to those who had abstinence-only education. Conclusions Findings reveal the relation of sex education type on attitudes toward sexuality and self-reported readiness for adults’ sexual lives. Policy Implications Policymakers, educators, and others who work with young people should champion sex-positive, comprehensive sex education. More work is needed to ensure sex education yields an informed public who can navigate their sexual lives effectively.

Experiences of peer educators in a high school sexual and reproductive health peer education programme in Rwanda

Background: To contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Rwanda, a sexual and reproductive health peer education programme (SRHPEP) was developed and implemented. Reflecting on the unique characteristics of this newly implemented programme, and understanding peer educators’ (PEs) and facilitators’ perspectives, can provide insights into the programme’s effectiveness and feedback to improve the programme in the future. This study explored the experiences of being a PE in the SRHPEP from the perspectives of PEs and facilitators. Design: Qualitative exploratory design. Setting: Data collection took placed in three public high schools in Rwanda. Method: Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 PEs and 5 in-depth interviews with facilitators were conducted. Results: Thematic analysis identified the benefits of being a PE, including increased competence, enhanced relationships and an improved society’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). PEs faced challenges, however, including bullying, limited resources and time constraints. A support system (comprising PEs themselves, facilitators and school leadership) and refresher training made being a PE easier. Study participants suggested allocating enough time, training larger numbers of PEs and the provision of contextually relevant educational materials to improve the programme. Conclusion: Findings from this study can be used to guide the development of future ways of strengthening the SRHPEP in schools. They can also help to ensure that PEs are adequately supported in their roles and the needs of the students are met.

Study of Attitude of Adolescents Towards Sex Education in Relation to Their Achievement Motivation in Hilly Districts of Uttarakhand

The present study was undertaken to investigate the sex attitude of adolescents and its relations (intermediate) school adolescents studying in different schools of Kumaun and gharwal hilly region of uttarakhand by using purposive random sampling techniques from various government and non government managed schools within the age range of 13 to19 years, from urban and rural areas. The finding of the study revealed that there is a significant difference in the sex attitude of the adolescents having high and low achievement motivation respectively. Another finding of the study was there is a significant difference in the sex attitude of the girl and boy adolescents having high and low achievement motivation.

LGBT - A GLOBAL ISSUE: SOCIAL IMPACT PREVENTIVE SOLUTION FROM QURANIC PERSPECTIVE (STUDY OF QURANIC CHAPTER AL-A‘RAF [7]: 80-81)

The LGBT Problem is a hotly vulnerable discussion in 2021-2024. This is marked by the emergence of many movements from activists and sympathizers of LGBT supporters who ask for their rights in public spaces, such as the rights of society in general. The presence of a movement that advocates equality for LGBT people has a close relationship with the people of Prophet Lut (‘Alaih As-Salam), who have a different sexual orientation from humans in general, which in Arabic, is called liwatat (sodomy). The campaign effort was then carried out openly in the public. This study aims to analyze the practice of LGBT from an Islamic perspective based on the Quranic chapter Al-A‘raf verses 80-81. The results showed that the emergence of LGBT movements and campaigns today are an inseparable part of the story of Prophet Lut’s society, which has an unusual sexual orientation. The condition is caused by environmental, psychological, and theological factors. The rise of efforts to voice the equality of Human Rights openly has an impact on society in various aspects, including in the elements of health, society, education, and security. Thus, preventive solutions are needed to fend off the LGBT behaviour such as through education of faith and Islamic SharÊ‘ah, besides moral, psychiatric, social and sexual education.

Queering the role of hostel carers within the sexuality education of visually impaired learners

Background: Literature suggests that the comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) of children with disabilities (CwDs) remains located within parental and educators’ ecologies. However, very little focus has been given to the role of hostel carers, especially given that most special schools are mainly residential schools. As such, there is no policy, guidance, or training consideration for support staff such as hostel carers who equally play a care and support role for the CSE needs of CwDs.Objectives: The aim of this article was to explore how hostel carers in South African residential schools for the blind (SFB) perceived and responded to their role in providing CSE to visually impaired learners.Methods: Thirty-six hostel carers from three SFB were conveniently sampled and interviewed in separate focus group discussions. Queer theory underpinned this study, while the data generated was analysed thematically.Results: Given that visually impaired learners spend 9 months of the year in hostels to be given holistic institutional support, hostel carers reported assuming a major role in their CSE. But because they saw themselves as unqualified, outnumbered by learners, and inundated by other responsibilities (e.g. cooking and cleaning), they reported being powerless and incapable to sufficiently cater for the CSE needs of visually impaired learners.Conclusion: The study suggests that hostel carers have been neglected as care and support agents, despite playing a crucial role in the growing psychosexual needs of visually impaired learners.Contribution: A holistic approach to providing CSE to visually impaired learners incorporating carers is provided.

Development and Reliability and Validity Analysis of the Knowledge,Attitude, and Practice Evaluation Scale for Teachers' Early Childhood Sex Education.

Objective To develop the knowledge,attitude,and practice evaluation scale for teachers' early childhood sex education and analyze the reliability and validity of the scale,providing evaluation tools for the research on teachers' early childhood sex education. Methods On the basis of relevant guidelines,publications,and the theory of knowledge,attitude,and practice,a preliminary pool of items for the scale was formed by group discussions.The scale was drafted after two rounds of Delphi expert consultation.In May 2023,stratified cluster sampling was conducted,and 535 preschool teachers from Changshou District,Chongqing were selected for a survey.Cronbach's α coefficient,split-half reliability,exploratory factor analysis,and content validity were adopted to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. Results An evaluation scale for teachers' early childhood sex education was formulated,involving 27 items in 3 dimensions of knowledge,attitude,and practice.The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.875,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.902,0.743,and 0.879,respectively.The total split-half reliability of the scale was 0.937,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.934,0.821,and 0.912,respectively.The content validity of the scale was good,with a factor loading range of 0.500-0.836 and a cumulative variance contribution rate of 61.57.The average score of teachers' knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education was 72.85±7.13,with a good rate of 70.84%. Conclusions The developed scale for evaluating teacher's early childhood sex education demonstrates good reliability and validity,and it can be used to evaluate the teachers' knowledge,attitude,and practice in early childhood sex education.The evaluation results indicate that teachers have low levels of knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education,and relevant departments need to carry out training on the sex education for young children.

Conceptualizing Gender and Sexuality Education Outcomes: Developing a Theoretical Framework for Measurement and Evaluation

Conceptualizing Gender and Sexuality Education Outcomes: Developing a Theoretical Framework for Measurement and Evaluation

Sexual and reproductive health: level of knowledge and source of information in adolescence.

To date, there is a lack of a structured national plan of sexual education in Italy, with large interregional differences and poor uniformity in the promotion and learning of sexual health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge on sexuality and reproductive function among adolescents before and after a sexual education program, considering gender differences in the results. A longitudinal and interventional study was conducted on high school students. Six sessions for each class were carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Anonymous questionnaires were administered to investigate basic knowledge of human sexuality and reproduction before and after intervention. Participants were high school students who completed the questionnaires. Outcomes included pre and posttest answers on the knowledge questionnaire in study population. We obtained data from 842 high school students (mean ± SD age, 16.11 ± 1.74years). The main informative sources on sexuality were social media in 37.9% of participants; family, school, and scientific material were the main source in 15.1%, 5.2%, and 4.4%, respectively. A total score of 12.6 ± 3.4 (range, 1-20) was obtained on the knowledge questionnaire; specifically, the score was higher in females than males (12.8 ± 3.4 vs 11.9 ± 3.4, P = .0001). In males and females, a statistically significant increase in level of knowledge was found after the multidisciplinary intervention (14.5 ± 3.6, P = .0001). The lack of sexual education programs in schools in Italy compels adolescents to refer to frequently unreliable sources, such as social media and peers, contributing to misinformation and adoption of risky sexual behaviors. This study is based on a large sample size and highlights the importance of sexual education programs. The main limitations are a greater representation of the female population and the inclusive nature of the school (ie, an artistic school), attracting students who identify with sexual minorities. Adolescents have limited knowledge about sexuality and reproduction, with a notable gender disparity; sexual education programs in schools, providing information from sexuality experts, led to a substantial increase in knowledge and a reduction in the gender gap.

Sexuality Education Between Biopolitics and Psychopolitics: A Critical Inquiry into Chile’s Youth Friendly Spaces Program

This paper analyzes the population management logics present in the YFS framework, delving into its power dynamics, prioritization processes, and the (in)visibility of themes that influence its configuration and outcomes. Through a Governmentality Studies lens, it analyses the program’s shift from biopolitical to psychopolitical rationalities. A qualitative document analysis of 43 documents reveals the program’s strategies in addressing youth sexuality: the translation of youth sexuality, the identification of social determinants, the execution of extitutional action, and the fostering of participation as competence. These findings illustrate a sophisticated governance of sexuality education, leveraging psychopolitical tactics for nuanced youth engagement, emphasizing accountability, and fostering skill development. The analysis underscores the significance of evolving sexuality education practices toward more inclusive and adaptable approaches.

Automated High-Throughput Biological Sex Identification from Archeological Human Dental Enamel Using Targeted Proteomics.

Biological sex is key information for archeological and forensic studies, which can be determined by proteomics. However, the lack of a standardized approach for fast and accurate sex identification currently limits the reach of proteomics applications. Here, we introduce a streamlined mass spectrometry (MS)-based workflow for the determination of biological sex using human dental enamel. Our approach builds on a minimally invasive sampling strategy by acid etching, a rapid online liquid chromatography (LC) gradient coupled to a high-resolution parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay allowing for a throughput of 200 samples per day (SPD) with high quantitative performance enabling confident identification of both males and females. Additionally, we developed a streamlined data analysis pipeline and integrated it into a Shiny interface for ease of use. The method was first developed and optimized using modern teeth and then validated in an independent set of deciduous teeth of known sex. Finally, the assay was successfully applied to archeological material, enabling the analysis of over 300 individuals. We demonstrate unprecedented performance and scalability, speeding up MS analysis by 10-fold compared to conventional proteomics-based sex identification methods. This work paves the way for large-scale archeological or forensic studies enabling the investigation of entire populations rather than focusing on individual high-profile specimens. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD049326.