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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michele J. Moore, PhD¹, Elissa Howard-Barr, PhD¹, and Matthew T. Corrigan, PhD². (1) Department of Public Health, College of Health, University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd, S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, 904.620.1449, mmoore@unf.edu, (2) Department of Political Science & Public Administration, University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd, S., Jacksonville, FL 32224

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess which of three approaches to school-based sexuality education was preferred by Florida residents. Methods. The 641 respondents were selected by random digit dialing, using methods to ensure ethnic and geographic representation. They were surveyed by trained interviewers using a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi Squares to assess relationships between socio-demographic variables and participants' preferred approach to sexuality education. Results. Data showed that the majority of respondents supported an Abstinence Plus approach to sexuality education (44.3%), followed closely by a Responsible Decision-making approach (32.9%), with few supporting Abstinence Only (11.2%). Although in most cases respondents in the various age ranges, education levels, political parties, and political ideologies were most likely to choose Abstinence Plus, there were some significant differences. Of the minority who chose Abstinence only, those in the oldest group, those with less than a high school degree, Republicans, and Conservatives were more likely than their respective counterparts to do so. Of those that chose Responsible Decision-making, those with post college degrees, Democrats, Independents, and Liberals were more likely than their respective counterparts to do so (p's< 01). There were no significant differences by gender, race or income. Conclusions. As documented in other state and national level studies, support for abstinence plus sexuality education is widespread. Providing policy-makers and school-board administrators with data from their constituents may help to build support for more comprehensive school-based sexuality education programs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

• describe Florida residents’ support of for three types of sexuality education;
• explain the relationship of several demographic variables to support for the various types of sexuality education;
• discuss potential use of these findings to help support school-based sexuality education programs.

Keywords: Adolescents, Sexuality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered