A review of sex education impact in health promotion and teenage behavior

• Main Authors: Shalihin, Mohd Shaiful Ehsan, Mohd Razib, Mohd Zhafri, Mahadi, Fatin hanani, Harun, Najla, Suhaimi, Nurul Farihah Na’imi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2023
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RA Public aspects of medicine; RC Internal medicine; RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/103299/2/103299_A%20review%20of%20sex%20education%20impact.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/103299/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/ijahs/index.php/IJAHS/article/view/756/689
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: Enhancing young people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding sexual and reproductive health and behaviours is one of the positive consequences of sexuality education. However, there are a lot of barriers to implement the program due to lack of understanding within the community and misperception of its objectives. To summarise the impact of sex education on health promotion and adolescent behaviour, a systematic review was done. Methods: A database search utilising PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL was used to identify potential articles for reviewing. 36 articles were eligible for assessment based on the criteria of original papers in English language published between January 2011 and November 2021. Results: The systematic review revealed that sexuality education benefits the teenagers and students with regards to the prevention of unintended sexual intercourse, sexual harassment and other high-risk behaviours. Conclusion: There are multiple effective platforms and ways to incorporate sexual education into the school curriculum that can give benefits to teenagers, especially in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.