Smith L; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 775 (abstract no. D.501).
Director Sexuality Division, Calgary Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
OBJECTIVE: Education emphasizing negative aspects such as AIDS, STD's, unwanted pregnancy focuses on "extraordinary sexuality". When negative information is stressed, feelings and behavioral strategies necessary for the integration of information and utilization of preventive actions are missed. Policy makers need to shift from a focus on extraordinary to ordinary sexuality. METHOD: The Board of Health approached Calgary School Boards to present facts on the extent of adolescent sexual activity, STD, and ectopic pregnancy. Current piecemeal and optional approach to sexuality education was compared to negative sequelae of sexual behavior. The Board of Health recommended that sexuality education programs be mandatory for all students. RESULTS: Both school boards accepted the proposal and schools will have a comprehensive, sexuality education curriculum provided to all students by 1990. The Board of Health committed funds to training, inservicing and support of teachers in the school system. CONCLUSION: In order to promote safer sexual behavior, public health and school officials must ensure that all students receive not only cognitive information about sexuality, but also a comprehensive curriculum that will examine feelings and the behavioral skills in order to practice safer sex techniques. To accomplish this, AIDS education must be placed in the context of comprehensive, compulsory, sexuality education. Public Health agencies can have an impact on the decision to provide such education in a community.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Curriculum
- Demography
- Educational Status
- Female
- Health Education
- Humans
- Pregnancy
- Schools
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- Teaching
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102179988
From Meeting Abstracts