Methodologies of sexual health education intervention for high school students' knowledge and attitudes: A systematic review

Germano Rodrigues Couto; Isabel de Jesus Oliveira; Carla Sílvia Fernandes; Kristen Mark

doi:10.18502/npt.v10i2.12830

Germano Rodrigues Couto Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Isabel de Jesus Oliveira Portuguese Red Cross Northern Health School, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
Carla Sílvia Fernandes School of Health, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Kristen Mark Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/npt.v10i2.12830

Keywords: sexual health; sex education; adolescent; knowledge; attitudes

Abstract

Background & Aim: Providing adolescents with information to understand their sexual health is critical to promote healthy sexual development, reducing the negative consequences of risky sexual behaviors, and creating a foundation for healthy adulthood. This study aimed to identify the recent empirical evidence on new methodologies for improved sexual health outcomes among adolescents.

Methods & Materials: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials guided the PICO question, "What knowledge and attitudes do high school students obtain when confronted with new methodologies for teaching sexuality compared to traditional teaching?" regardless of geographic location, race/ethnicity, or gender criteria, concerning adolescents, was conducted. The databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched in December 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for use in JBI Systematic Reviews were used to assess methodological quality. Data were synthesized across studies and presented narratively.

Results: Thirteen articles were included for review, involving 11.262 participants. The duration of the interventions with new methodologies ranged from a few hours to three months. New methodologies on sexual health education to improve high school student's knowledge and attitudes were divided into four types: digital and Internet-based intervention, curriculum-based intervention, training-based intervention, and peer group bonding-based intervention.

Conclusion: These results provide healthcare professionals with additional strategies that may be integrated into school health programs regarding sex education.