Family homework activities in a comprehensive sex education program delay teen sex for boys

Background: Communication between parents and teens about sexuality can reduce early sexual behavior, although its influence varies by gender. Get Real, a 3-year, comprehensive middle school sex education program, includes family activities with each lesson.

Purpose: To describe the role of a family activity component of a sex education program in delaying first sex over the course of middle school.

Significance: These findings have implications for sexual health prevention and intervention programs.

Methodology: Twelve middle schools received three years of a comprehensive middle school sex education program. Baseline data was collected at the start of 6th grade in 2008-09. Follow-up data was collected at the end of 8th grade. Students' family activity participation score was calculated out of 24 possible assignments, and assessed as a dosage indicator. Logistic regression analysis controlled for the clustered study design by classroom, demographic variables, social desirability, student-reported grades, and closeness with parents.

Results: At baseline the sample (N=854) was 54% female. Mean age was 11.83 years (SD=.60), and racial/ethnic background was 32% White, 30% Black, 29% Latino, 4% Asian, and 5% Biracial. After exposure to the 6th-8th grade curriculum, which included family activities with each lesson, boys who completed more family activities reported lower sexual initiation rates (OR=.96, p=.001), although there was no significant effect of family activity completion for girls.

Conclusions: Participation in family activities as part of a school-based sex education program was a key input for delayed sexual initiation for middle school boys.