EFFECTIVENESS OF SEX-EDUCATION PROVIDED TO ADOLESCENTS

A literature review was conducted to investigate the effects of sexual ity and birth control education on knowledge and attitude with regard to contraception use by adolescents in Western countries. The findings showed that sex education increased knowledge about sexuality and bir th control. In many cases there was also a change in attitude with ado lescents assuming a more liberal and tolerant attitude towards sexuali ty. Virtually no educational programme showed any influence on communi cation skills, assertiveness or skills with regard to contraception us e. The sex education courses appeared to have no impact on sexual beha viour, such as intercourse. A few studies demonstrated that adolescent s' intention to use contraception in the future was strengthened. Most studies found the education provided had a positive effect on contrac eption use, especially those programmes which explicitly integrated th e desired behaviour into the educational course. A number of factors a re discussed that influence the effect of sex and birth control educat ion.