D B Langille1, P Andreou, R P Beazley, M E Delaney. 1. Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. langilled@tupdean1.med.dal.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE: In the context of a community development project related to adolescent sexual health, this study was carried out at Amherst Regional High School (ARHS) in Amherst, Nova Scotia, to assess students' sexual health knowledge, gender differences in knowledge, and associations between knowledge and sexual behaviours. METHODS: A 29-item scale assessed knowledge in five areas of sexual health. Gender differences in correct responses to questions were compared. Overall knowledge scores were compared by gender, grade, and sexual activity, and tested for association with sexual behaviours. RESULTS: Of 796 students, 80% participated. Sexual health knowledge scores were highest for sexually active females. Higher score was associated with oral contraceptive use and later sexual debut. Knowledge was highest for HIV/AIDS. Students were insufficiently aware of their right to patient confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: ARHS students lack knowledge in some sexual health areas. School programs should consider these findings, and work to improve school-based sexual health education.
PURPOSE: In the context of a community development project related to adolescent sexual health, this study was carried out at Amherst Regional High School (ARHS) in Amherst, Nova Scotia, to assess students' sexual health knowledge, gender differences in knowledge, and associations between knowledge and sexual behaviours. METHODS: A 29-item scale assessed knowledge in five areas of sexual health. Gender differences in correct responses to questions were compared. Overall knowledge scores were compared by gender, grade, and sexual activity, and tested for association with sexual behaviours. RESULTS: Of 796 students, 80% participated. Sexual health knowledge scores were highest for sexually active females. Higher score was associated with oral contraceptive use and later sexual debut. Knowledge was highest for HIV/AIDS. Students were insufficiently aware of their right to patient confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: ARHS students lack knowledge in some sexual health areas. School programs should consider these findings, and work to improve school-based sexual health education.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adolescents; Age Factors; Americas; Behavior; Canada; Demographic Factors; Developed Countries; Education; Health; Knowledge; North America; Northern America; Population; Population Characteristics; Reproductive Health; Research Methodology; Research Report; Sampling Studies; Sex Behavior; Sex Factors; Students; Studies; Surveys; Youth
Authors: J A Gascón Jiménez; B Navarro Gochicoa; F J Gascón Jiménez; L A Pérula De Torres; A Jurado Porcel; G Montes Redondo Journal: Aten Primaria Date: 2003 Impact factor: 1.137