Effects of an Internet-Based and Teacher-Facilitated Sexuality Education Package: A Cluster-Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an internet-based and teacher-facilitated sexuality education package on the sexual knowledge and attitudes of Chinese adolescents. Methods: Six middle schools where no sexuality education had been performed with a total of 501 adolescent students (245 males and 256 females) were included in the trial. In total, 14 classes were randomly assigned to the intervention (internet-based sexuality education package) or the control group (classes were conducted as per normal). Students’ sexual knowledge and attitudes were assessed at the baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 12 months after the intervention. Generalized linear models were employed to assess the effects of the intervention. Results: Positive effects of the intervention were observed on sexual knowledge (β = 4.65, 95% CI: 4.12—5.17) and attitudes (β = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.00—1.50) at the end of the intervention. After 12 months, the effects sustained but the magnitude declined for sexual knowledge (β = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.85—2.93) and attitudes (β = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.23—0.75). There were no significant differences between male and female students. Conclusions: Although further modifications are required, the sexuality education package can increase the accessibility of comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents in rural areas in China.

Keywords

• sexuality education
• internet-based education
• sexual knowledge
• sexual attitudes