The Effects of Comprehensive Sex Education Intervention on Knowledge & Sexual Risk Behaviors Among 14-24 Year Old Churchgoers

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 account for nearly half of the 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year. Four in 10 sexually active teen girls have had an STI that can cause infertility and even death (Centers for Disease Control and prevention [CDC], 2014; Forhan et. al., 2009). Research reports that adolescents who participate in risky behaviors have both short-term and long-term consequences that are preventable (CDC, 2009, 2011, 2013; The Kaiser Foundation, 2009; Plieger et al., 2013; Scott et al., 2011; World Health Organization [WHO], 2011). The CDC (2013) estimates that approximately 20 million new cases of STIs occur each year in the United States (US), half of which are among people aged 15 to 24 (CDC, 2008; Forhan et al., 2009). The purpose of this evidence-based project was to determine if comprehensive sex education (CSE) for youth churchgoers would increase STI knowledge and decrease risky sex behaviors. The Health Belief Model and the Ciliska et al. (2011) EBP model were used as frameworks to guide the project at a Pentecostal church in Northwest Indiana. A CSE intervention was developed and implemented after church stakeholder approval. Pre and post intervention youth health and STI knowledge data were collected online via schoology.com ®. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and paired-sample t-test. CSE resulted in a statistically significant increase of church youths' STI knowledge (p = .003). A decrease in risky sexual behavior intentions were also noted (p = .0006). Pearson’s r revealed a strong positive correlation between participants’ age and STD-K27 scores (p = .002). Spearman’s rho correlation test showed a negative correlation between church attendance and STD-K27 scores (p = .208). Recommendations are for continued offering of CSE education in the church setting and presenting messages framed to meet the needs of churchgoers.