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Abstract
The effectiveness of a multidimensional Canadian sex education programme was evaluated using 240 Grade Nine students. The intervention was offered by representatives from various community groups and involved instructional classes on anatomy/physiology of the reproductive system and sexually transmitted infections, a video and group discussion on healthy relationships, a form of ‘peer education’ and discussion on teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, as well as a parent workshop and newsletter on teen sexuality. Respondents in the intervention and control groups completed a self‐administered questionnaire at baseline and one month after the programme. Compared with the control group, students in the intervention group showed positive changes in the areas of knowledge, sex‐role attitudes, sexual interaction values, and the perception that birth control is important. These results suggest that a collaborative effort of outside professionals from various community organisations and involvement of ‘peer educators’ to provide sexual health education in Grade Nine high school classes may be a useful strategy.
Notes
1. The Adolescent Sexual Health Planning Committee included representatives from the following organisations: Windsor‐Essex County Health Unit, Sandwich Community Health Centre, Teen Health Centre, Planned Parenthood, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, AIDS Committee of Windsor, and Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
2. The Grade Nine curriculum was selected since it is the only segment of sexual health teaching in secondary schools' comprehensive high school curriculum to which all students are exposed.
3. The classes were mandatory as part of the Grade Nine physical education credit. Absences from these classes were incidental.