Trends in Teaching Sexual and Reproductive Health Skills in US Secondary Schools in 35 States, 2008 to 2018. (23rd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Young, Emily; Demissie, Zewditu; Brener, Nancy D.; Benes, Sarah; Szucs, Leigh E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 92:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 711
• Page End: 719
• Publication Date: 2022-03-23
• Subjects: sexual health education -- health education -- skills‐based instruction -- HIV/STIs -- pregnancy prevention -- adolescents; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.13179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Little is known about trends in implementing skills‐based instruction in US schools, specifically for sexual and reproductive health (SRH). We examined state‐level trends in the percentage of US secondary schools teaching SRH skills in a required course in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. METHODS: Representative data from 35 states participating across 6 cycles of School Health Profiles (2008‐2018) was analyzed. The prevalence of teaching four SRH skills was assessed through lead health education teacher self‐administered questionnaires. Logistic regression models examined linear trends in the percentages of schools teaching SRH skills in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. Trends were calculated for states with weighted data (response rates ≥70%) for at least 3 cycles, including 2018. RESULTS: During 2008 to 2018, the median percentage of schools addressing each SRH skill ranged from 63.5% to 69.7% (grades 6‐8) and 88.2% to 92.0% (grades 9‐12). Linear decreases in SRH skills instruction were more common for grades 6 to 8 than grades 9 to 12; linear increases were comparable for both groups. Most states demonstrated no change in the percentage of schools teaching SRH skills in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. CONCLUSIONS: Limited changes and decreases in SRH skills instruction in US secondary schools suggest efforts to strengthen SRH education are needed.