Exploring the Effect of Sexual Education on Sexual Health Risk Behaviors: Analysis of the 2003 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys in Florida and Alabama

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between sexual health education content and sexual health risk behaviors, and the mediating effect of demographic variables. A cross-sectional research design employing secondary data analysis explored these associations in a sample of African American and non-Hispanic White male and female adolescents that took part in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) for the years 2003 and 2007 in the aforementioned southern states. Significant associations were observed between race and reported condom use and alcohol and/or drug use during last intercourse. For both Alabama and Florida, sexual health education was associated with reported condom usage as well as alcohol and/or drug use at last sexual intercourse. Those receiving sexual education of either type were more likely to report using a condom at their last sexual encounter, and less likely to report alcohol and/or drug use. However, the multivariate analysis did not support all of the findings of the bivariate analysis for both reported condom and alcohol and/or drug use. These findings suggest there is need for continued sexual education in this vulnerable demographic group