Community Attitudes Toward School-Based Sexuality Education in a Conservative State |
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| Authors: | Michael S Dunn Sharon H Thompson Fredanna A D M’Cormack John F Yannessa Jennifer L Duffy |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Health Sciences, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USAmdunn@coastal.edu;3. Department of Health Sciences, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USA;4. South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, Columbia, SC, USA |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to assess community attitudes toward school-based abstinence-plus sexuality education. A dual sampling approach of landlines and cell phones resulted in 988 adults from two counties completing The South Carolina Survey of Public Opinion on Pregnancy Prevention. Among respondents, 87.1% supported school-based abstinence-plus sexuality education, and most of them agreed that various topics (abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases/HIV/AIDS, contraception) should be taught in grades 6 through 8. Few supporters believed that providing birth control information makes it more likely for teens to have sex. There was general consensus that schools and community settings should do more to prevent teen pregnancy and despite a conservative climate, respondents of this study support abstinence-plus sexuality education. |
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| Keywords: | Sex education schools communities adult perceptions |
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