Abstract

RIBEIRO, J.M.; PONTES, A.  and  SANTOS, L.R.. Changes in attitudes towards sexuality in adolescents through a program of sex education. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.2, pp.340-355. ISSN 1645-0086.

Sexual education is crucial in promoting adolescent sexual health, and the school is, according to portuguese law, responsible for its formal approach. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact that a program of sexual education in the classroom (PEST) has on attitudes towards sexuality of teenagers. The sample consisted of 99 adolescents, aged between 12 and 14 years, who were divided into two groups: the experimental group, that participated in PEST, and the control group. The instrument used was the Escala de Atitudes Sexuais - versão Adolescente and was applied in both groups simultaneously, before and after implementation of PEST. The PEST designing and implementation is in line with the requirements of current legislation. It was found that participation in the PEST changed the attitudes of adolescents, with significant changes in girls, adolescents with higher educational attainment, and adolescents with better economic status. It seems thus reinforced the importance of school education for the health of adolescents, as well as the need to adjust these programs to the specific characteristics of the target population.

Keywords : attitudes towards sexuality; sexual education; gender; adolescence; sexual education programs.

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