“What if You Already Know Everything About Sex?” Content Analysis of Questions From Early Adolescents in a Middle School Sex Education Program

Abstract Purpose To assess sixth graders' knowledge and curiosity about sex-related topics that can guide the development of sexual health education and healthcare delivery. Methods Sixth graders (n = 795) in eight ethnically diverse schools participating in an evaluation of a sex education cur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescent health 2012-05, Vol.50 (5), p.527-530
Main Authors: Charmaraman, Linda, Ph.D, Lee, Alice J, Erkut, Sumru, Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescent psychology
Adolescents
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Educational psychology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Miscellaneous
Pediatrics
Psychology, Adolescent
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Puberty
Qualitative research
Reproduction
Schools
Sex Education
Sexual activities
Sexual Behavior
Sexual health
Sexual health education
Sexuality
Students
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Abstract Purpose To assess sixth graders' knowledge and curiosity about sex-related topics that can guide the development of sexual health education and healthcare delivery. Methods Sixth graders (n = 795) in eight ethnically diverse schools participating in an evaluation of a sex education curriculum submitted 859 anonymous questions that were content analyzed. The χ2 analysis examined whether the themes varied by coed/single-sex environments or by school-level sexual risk. Results Sexual activity, female anatomy, reproduction, and puberty were the most frequently mentioned topics, whereas, questions on STIs, sexual violence, and drug/alcohol use were fewer. Questions that avoided sexual topics came from lower sexual-risk schools; students at higher-risk schools asked about sexual initiation, contraception, vaginal and anal sex, general health, and pain during sex. Single-sex classrooms elicited more direct and explicit questions about sex. Conclusions The results are relevant to educators and healthcare providers who ask and answer questions from early adolescents regarding sexual health.
ISSN:1054-139X
1879-1972
DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.10.004