Sexuality education: findings and recommendations from an analysis of 10 United States programmes

Abstract

In this study, we identified 10 sexuality education programmes from different locations in the USA that aim to give young people knowledge and skills to develop healthy relationships, as well as avoid pregnancy and disease. We conducted in-depth interviews with programme administrators to develop a series of case studies and provide concrete recommendations for education and public health professionals to implement similar approaches in their communities. Many programme administrators succeeded in developing partnerships, adapting existing curricula to suit their environments, engaging external evaluators and garnering support from teachers and parents. However, few programme developers conducted formal needs assessments before developing programmes and many struggled to implement curricula with fidelity and to employ rigorous evaluation designs. Nearly all participants identified concerns over funding as a threat to sustainability. We conclude that schools and organisations need technical assistance to build capacity for rigorous programme planning, implementation and evaluation, as well as additional funding streams to support emerging programmes.

Development of Long Live Love+, a school-based online sexual health programme for young adults. An intervention mapping approach

“…In line with findings of Cushman and colleagues (Cushman et al 2014), time and especially financial constraints in our project had implications for our implementation plan. Although we managed to come up with various ways to (potentially) enhance widespread implementation with completeness and fidelity, and the study benefitted from a new law obliging all schools in the Netherlands to include sex education in the curriculum, we had neither the means to develop a detailed needs assessment study among teachers, nor to develop a teacher-specific training or coaching programme.…”

Exploring the content and delivery of relationship skills education programmes for adolescents: a systematic review

“…Numerous systematic reviews have been carried out looking at the delivery and effectiveness of sex education programmes (See for example: Cushman et al 2014;Mason-Jones et al 2016;Poobalan et al 2009); the programmes reviewed primarily have an aim to delay sexual initiation, reduce STIs, unintended pregnancy or domestic violence. Studies have found that programmes which use interactive, participatory learning and skills-building strategies to promote 'rights-based content, positive, youthcentred messages are effective in empowering adolescents with knowledge and tools required for healthy sexual decision-making and behaviours' (Hall et al 2016).…”

Lessons learned from a decade implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education in resource poor settings:The World Starts With Me

“…Harrison et al 2010;Iyer, Clarke, and Aggleton 2014;Ott et al 2011;Wood and Rolleri 2014) as well as the developed world (e.g. Cushman et al 2014;Schutte et al 2014). It is the purpose of this paper to contribute to these much needed improvements by sharing lessons learned from a decade of implementation of the CSE programme, The World Starts With Me, among various populations in 11 resource poor countries in Africa and Asia.…”