Shekar A, Gross A, Luebbers E, Honsky J. Effects of an Interprofessional Student-Led Sexual Education Program on Self-Efficacy and Attitudes About Sexual Violence in Youths in Juvenile Detention.
J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2020;
33:302-306. [PMID:
31874315 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpag.2019.12.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE
We aim to explore the impact of an interprofessional graduate student-led sexual education curriculum on sexual self-efficacy, perceived importance of sexual consent, and willingness to intervene against sexual violence in the high-risk population of detained youths.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Medical, nursing, social work, and physician assistant students implemented a 3-session, comprehensive sexual health curriculum for detained youths (n = 253).
INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The curriculum from Son et al (2017) was adapted to include a more targeted curriculum on consent and safe relationships. Youths completed pre- and postintervention assessments that evaluated their sexual self-efficacy and violence-related beliefs and behaviors.
RESULTS
Detained youths completing the curriculum showed statistically significant increases in the sexual self-efficacy (P < .001), view of the importance of consent (P < .001), and willingness to intervene (P = .0027). The subset of male individuals and adolescents aged 17-19 years achieved statistically significant improvement in each category; adolescents aged 12-14 years did not. Female participants showed statistically significant improvement in sexual self-efficacy scores only.
CONCLUSIONS
The curriculum addressing topics of consent and sexual violence was effective in improving detained youths' belief in their ability to safely navigate a sexual encounter and their attitudes toward sexual assault. Additional research on gender- and age-specific programming and the long-term impact on sexual health risk behaviors is needed.
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