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ERIC Number: EJ1366187
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Feb
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0268-1153
EISSN: EISSN-1465-3648
Trends in the Teaching of Sexual and Reproductive Health Topics and Skills in Required Courses in Secondary Schools, in 38 US States between 2008 and 2018
Szucs, Leigh E.; Demissie, Zewditu; Steiner, Riley J.; Brener, Nancy D.; Lindberg, Laura; Young, Emily; Rasberry, Catherine N.
Health Education Research, v38 n1 p84-94 Feb 2023
Information about state and local education policies regarding sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, and unintended pregnancy prevention is available, yet less is known about school-level implementation of such policies. We examine trends in the percentage of US secondary schools teaching sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics in a required course in Grades 6-8 and 9-12, including healthy relationships, sexual abstinence, condoms and condoms with other contraceptive methods. We analyze representative data from 38 states across six cycles of School Health Profiles (2008-18) assessed through self-administered questionnaires completed by lead health teachers. Logistic regression models examined linear trends in the percentages of schools teaching topics for Grades 6-8 and 9-12, separately. Trends were calculated for states having representative data for at least three cycles, including 2018. During 2008-18, it was more common to have increases in teaching how to obtain condoms, correct condom use and use condoms with other contraceptive methods in Grades 6-12 than decreases. More states showed decreases in teaching abstinence in Grades 6-12 than increases. Most states had no change in teaching SRH topics across grades. Findings suggest some improvement in school-based SRH education, yet efforts are needed to improve comprehensive, developmentally appropriate content.
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://her.oxfordjournals.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A