In late January/early February 1997, the University of South Carolina School of Public Health conducted a state-wide radom digit dialed telephone survey of 534 South Carolina registered voters to determine level of support for school-based reproductive health services. Results indicated that the majority of voters surveyed supported reproductive health services in the secondary schools that would provide students with contraceptive information and counseling and referrals to community-based agencies for reproductive health services. However, voters were less supportive of reproductive health services that would diagnose or treat sexually transmitted diseases, test for pregnancy, or make contraceptives available to students at school. Significant associations were found for support of school-based reproductive health services based on income, personal beliefs, intentions, and outcome expectations regarding sexuality education and contraceptive availability. These data indicate the need for school-aged youth to have access to community-based reproductive health services the schools are either unable or unwilling to provide. Additionally, these results reinforce the importance of assessing community needs and values when determining whether reproductive health services should be provided at school.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify level of support for school-based reproductive health services among South Carolina registered voters. 2. Describe characteristivs of South Carolina registered voters who support and oppose the provision of reproductive health services in the public schools. 3. Recognize the importance of conducting a community-based needs assessment to determine support for the provision of school-based reproductive health services
Keywords: School-Based Health Care, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: South Carolina Council on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention;
University of South Carolina, Survey Research Laboratory; and
University of South Carolina, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.