Self-reported sexual behavior by middle and high school students: Comparing CBAE and YRBS results

Nearly 6,000 students participated in a Community Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) curriculum for 6th-9th grade students in selected South Carolina school districts. Students were given pre and post surveys measuring knowledge and attitudes towards sex. The results were consistent with the Worth the Wait findings of increased knowledge and delay towards sexual activity. (Sulak, P. J., Herbelin, S. J., Fix, D.A., & Kuehl, T.J., 2005) This study compares the results of CBAE participating schools to the 2007 Youth Risky Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) weighted data on sexual behaviors for 6th-9th grade students of South Carolina. Descriptive comparisons between demographics and specific sexual behavior questions are discussed. Demographically, YRBS presents 40% Non-Hispanic blacks and 52% White students surveyed. The CBAE surveys present 45% African-American and 45% White students surveyed. Both surveys also present an even division of genders as well. Specific questions addressed include the percentage of students who report having had sexual intercourse. The figures for 8th grade students are 28.9% (21.4-37.9) according to YRBS and 24.5% (21.5-27.5) according to CBAE post surveys. The figures for 9th grade students are 46.7% (34.9-59.0) according to YRBS and 33.7% (31.5-36.0) according to CBAE post surveys. These comparisons illustrate that self-report of sexual activity becomes less consistent between surveys as age increases. CBAE surveys or YRBS are under/over reporting sexual activity in 9th graders, yet are fairly consistent for 8th graders. The discussion includes possible reasons behind this variability and how this may affect the interpretations of results.