An Analysis of Comprehensive Sex Education in the US

Abstract

Objective:To provide in-depth analysis of Comprehensives Sex Education (CSE) in the US. Methods: To understand the context of CSE, by comparing and contrasting evidence for CSE and abstinence-only until marriage (AOUM) curriculums, laws concerning sex education, and three different CSE delivery methods. Internship with Anne and Robert H. Luries Sexuality Education Program gave an insight into local CSE implementation. The program provides CSE sessions for schools. At the end of every session, students complete a survey and write a question on a sticky note. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of this data was conducted. Results: Both sex education curriculums were implemented with the hope of reducing unintended adolescent pregnancies and decrease high rates of STI and HIV/AIDS among youths. CSE is the only program that has been successful in reducing these factors. It is also inclusive of sexual minorities. Funding for sex education flows from federal grants and guidelines; states allocate the money to schools and local organizations. There are three types of CSE delivery methods include peer to peer, utilizing technology, and health educator run programs. Luries program is an example of a health educator run program. Survey data were available for three schools, and sticky notes for five schools. Quantitative analysis of the five items on the survey found statistical significance for Kruskal-Wallis and Fischers exact test for question three, I am able to communicate my differences to another person. Qualitative analysis was conducted by grouping comments by the National Sexuality Education Standards (NSES) seven topics of pregnancy and reproduction, healthy relationships, STI &HIV, anatomy & physiology, personal safety, puberty, and identity. Discussion: CSE is effective because it emphasizes abstinence but also provides medically, accurate information about contraception. It has been shown that CSE increases rates of safe sex practices but has no impact on the sexual debut of adolescents. The curriculum is inclusive of sexual minorities ignored in the AOUM model. Its primary aim is not to dissuade youth from sex, but to create a foundation. CSE is a progressive curriculum that teaches age-appropriate information about the physical, biological, and emotional aspects of the seven NSES topics. Through qualitative analysis, students were affirmed of their identity thank you for helping me feel safe for being bisexual. Youth learned skills on how to approach situations concerning personal safety. This is seen in the comment, I liked how we dont always have to say yes without being rude. Students discovered the diverse manifestations of puberty and felt that they were more knowledgeable about my body. The analysis illustrated how students wanted to learn the different aspects of health. Quantitatively, there was one question with statistical significance, which represents a need to teach skills to help adolescents communicate their differences to another. On the ground, the perspective of a CSE program illustrated the importance of teaching more than just abstinence and puberty. By having an inclusive curriculum of sexual minorities, it affirms a vulnerable population that is more likely to experience bullying and depression. It increases safe sex practices, which contributes to a reduction of STI rates. Adolescents disproportionately experience high rates of STIs in the US. By teaching personal safety and healthy relationships, the curriculum builds a foundation that can decrease interpersonal violence, which is high among students. CSE implementation is a vital method of primary prevention of many of the issues that face adolescents today.

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