Examining Sex Education and Contraceptive Use at Sexual Debut

Objective: This study was an examination of whether unprotected sexual debut is influenced by the content of sex education received. Methods: Nationally representative data and event-history analyses examined the relationship between the content of sex education and the likelihood of having unprotected sexual debut among American adolescents. Results: Sex education content focusing on birth control and pregnancy prevention was most successful in reducing unprotected sexual debut for males and females. Conclusion: Abstinence-only education is the most commonly taught sex education, but it is not as effective in reducing unprotected sexual debut as other sex education options. This research is useful for health professionals tasked with developing sex education curricula and campaigns geared at protecting the sexual health of American adolescents.