Opinions of rural Texas parents concerning elementary school health education

Condom availability programs in Massachusetts high schools: relationships with condom use and sexual behavior

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed relationships between condom availability programs accompanied by community discussion and involvement and adolescent sexual practices.

METHODS

Sexual practice and condom use differences were assessed in a representative sample of 4166 adolescents enrolled in high schools with and without condom availability programs.

RESULTS

Adolescents in schools where condoms were available were more likely to receive condom use instruction and less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse. Sexually active adolescents in those schools were twice as likely to use condoms, but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent sexual encounter.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of making condoms available, an indication of socioenvironmental support for condom use, may improve HIV prevention practices.

Are Parents in Favor or against School-Based Sexuality Education? A Report from the Midwest

A telephone survey was conducted in a midsized city in the Midwest to assess community members’ opinions about sexuality education being taught in school. Out of 566 people who were called, 350 completed the survey (61% response rate). The results showed that community members were supportive (91%) of sexuality education being taught in school. Other findings suggest that community members were helpful to the researchers by identifying the most appropriate time when sexuality education should begin and in which class sexuality education should be taught. The information from this survey has important implications that help health educators design age-appropriate sex education curriculum that fit community needs.

Professional preparation of elementary teachers in Ohio: status of K-6 health education

Improving the health status of children and youth depends to an extent on the adequate preparation of elementary teachers to teach health education. This survey: 1) examined the status of health education preparation that preservice elementary education majors receive from Ohio colleges and universities (n = 50); 2) determined the type of health education courses that Ohio colleges and universities require for elementary education majors; and 3) assessed the extent to which Ohio colleges and universities incorporate health and pedagogy-related content in their courses for elementary education majors. Results showed that 40 of the 50 institutions offered a health course. Twelve different textbooks were used in the courses. Coverage of course content ranged from much to none for 10 survey items ranging from the National Health Education Standards to the K-6 Health Instruction Responsibilities and Competencies.