Do Mississippi parents support sex education in public school?: Results of a state-level survey

Title:Do Mississippi parents support sex education in public school?: Results of a state-level survey 

Authors:

Colleen McKee, MS, Social Science Research, Mississippi State University

Kathleen Ragsdale, PhD, Social Science Research, Mississippi State University

Linda H. Southward, PhD, Social Science Research, Mississippi State University 

Introduction: Mississippi has the highest teen birth rate and second highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation. In 2011, the US teen birth rate was 31.3 per 1,000, compared to 55 per 1,000 in Mississippi (CDC, 2011). Despite broad public support for age-appropriate comprehensive sex education, it was implemented in only 47.3% of Mississippi public schools during 2012/2013.

Methods: This study examined parental opinions regarding implementing age-appropriate sex-related education (SRE) (i.e., abstinence-plus education) in Mississippi public schools.   

Results:Data were drawn from the first state-level randomized survey of parents (N=3,600) of public school students in Mississippi. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine parental support for a number of components associated with comprehensive sex education (i.e., condom use demonstration). More than 90% of parents endorsed implementing age-appropriate SRE in Mississippi public schools, discussing the transmission and prevention of HIV/STIs during SRE, and discussing how to get tested for HIV/STIs during SRE. More than 80% endorsed discussing where to obtain birth control during SRE and more than 70% endorsed demonstrating correct condom use during SRE.

Discussion: Implementing comprehensive sex education in Mississippi public schools may reduce alarmingly high rates of teen pregnancy, teen births, and STIs among Mississippi youth.