German students sexual behaviors & perceptions about sexuality education in Baden-Württemberg & policy implications for high school teachers and bildungsplanbeauftragte (curriculum development board)

Stephanie Saur, Purdue University

Abstract

The assessment of sexual behaviors and the examination of the influences of sexuality education on sexual behaviors are important for sexual health outcomes in a population. The objectives of the studies included were to (1) examine sexual behaviors and the extent sexuality education has on sexual behaviors among German students; (2) explore students’ and teachers’ perceptions of existing sexuality education; and (3) examine sexuality education policies to explore how structure and agency impacts teachers’ ability in implementing sexuality education within the cultural context of Germany. Descriptive statistics were used to describe prevalence of sexual behaviors among German students, while multivariate regression models aided in assessing the impact of sexuality education on sexual risk factors and to explore factors influencing use of barrier protection during various sexual activities. An online questionnaire and key informant interviews were used to collect data on students’ and teachers’ perceptions of sexuality education and teacher’s perceptions of sexuality education policies. Results show that German college students engage in a variety of sexual activities, however, use of barrier protection is unsatisfactory. Sexuality education had a limited effect on sexual behaviors. Findings further indicated students’ perceptions on quality of sexuality education and opinions about the ‘right’ time for the onset of sexuality education diverge strongly. While most students thought the content covered in school was sufficient to satisfy their sexual needs at that point in time, there was disagreement on when sexuality education should first take place. In addition, students discussed a variety of benefits from sexuality education received in school, while also commenting on personal experiences that students have to make outside of school. Teachers described a plethora of perceived sexual health needs among their students while also discussing strategies they use in the classroom to address such needs. Furthermore, teachers also discussed the implications of existing sexuality education policies at the government, school, and teacher level. Teachers described the existing structures as open, allowing them more freedom in making decision, while simultaneously limiting their choices due to a plethora of topics that need to be covered, resulting in lack of time to cover topics adequately.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Okoror, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Health education|Public health|Health education

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