Identifying Gaps in Sexual Health Education: What Women Learned and What Women Wish They Learned

Abstract

Sexual education may vary depending on the sources and what specific topics are discussed. The present study examined themes and sources of sexual education in an early adult women sample (N = 581). Women recalled sources and specific topics and identified missing topics that would have been beneficial. Latent class analysis classified women into two classes: school-only sexual education and multiple sources/eclectic. The eclectic group recalled a greater discussion of contraceptives, sexual activity, emotional aspects, pleasure, and gender and sexual identities. Both groups noted a greater desire for realistic lessons, education on empowerment and normalization, and more variety of resources.

Keywords:

• Comprehensive sexual health education
• school-based sex education
• sexuality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data is available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.