The Impact of Sex Education on Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use and Premarital Pregnancy Among American Teenagers

摘要: Sixty percent of women and 52 men now in their 20s took a sex education course by age 19, according to the 1984 National Longitudinal Survey Work Experience Youth. Whites are more likely than either blacks or Hispanics have had that age--57 compared with 53 48 percent, respectively. The survey also shows large proportions teenagers initiate coitus before they taken course. Among young who first at 15, for example, only already (i.e., it younger same age); among intercourse 18, proportion is 61 percent. Young even less take begin coitus--at figure 26 Adolescent previously somewhat those not sexual activity ages 15 16 (though no do so 17 18). However, effect prior small, weaker virtually every other variable found significant relationship 15-16. strongest determinants infrequent church attendance, parental fewer 12 years black race. Older sexually active girls significantly use an effective contraceptive method (73 percent) never (64 percent). This may offset any raising likelihood early coitus, since association can be between taking subsequently becoming premaritally pregnant 20.