Regional differences in sexuality education on a state level: the case of Florida

Abstract

Introduction In Florida, a state that consistently leads the nation in adverse sexual health outcomes among adolescents, numerous demographic and socio‐cultural differences exist across the North, Central, and South regions. However, little is known about regional differences in sexuality education and beliefs among teachers.

Methodology Using a mail‐based survey of 462 teachers, we examined regional differences in parental consent requirements, abstinence instruction, student language barriers, availability of Spanish curricula, teacher beliefs regarding the dissemination of accurate safer sex information, and missing data. t‐tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results North Floridian teachers taught more abstinence than those in Central and South Florida. Additionally, they had fewer students with language barriers, offered less Spanish curricula, and, in general, possessed less favorable attitudes toward presenting accurate safer sex information. However, South Floridian teachers were most likely to report parental consent requirements in their schools. These findings largely remained in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions The present study identified several noteworthy regional differences in sexuality education in Florida. Recommendations are given for developing and implementing programs that account for these differences within the state.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge funding for this study from The Picower Foundation, Palm Beach, Florida. They express their deepest appreciation for the efforts of our Scientific Advisory Committee and Community Advisory Committees. In addition, they thank Dr Michael Scicchiatano, Dr Tracy Johns, Ms Janet Heffner, and the staff of the Florida Survey Research Center at the University of Florida. The present study would not have been possible without the insight, expertise, and hard work of our partners in the committees and the Florida Survey Research Center. Finally, the authors thank Erin Rosaasen, MPH, of the Manatee County Health Department for her assistance and contributions on early discussions and drafts of this paper.