Evaluating the effectiveness of sex education and teen pregnancy prevention

Despite recent decreases, the United States teen pregnancy rates remain higher than in many other developed countries. This qualitative study phenomenologically examined the perceptions of the lived understandings of women who received sex education during the middle and high school timeframe, including any or all contexts (school, community, home). The study sought to see how those experiences influenced their sexual reproductive decision-making and teen pregnancy prevention efforts. The researcher interviewed 15 women who received sex education and prevention efforts during middle and high school timeframe. Participants in the study discussed their perspectives and experiences with sex education in school, at home, and in the community and how it influenced or informed their sexual health and decision-making. Audio recordings of the in-depth interviews were transcribed and coded. In response to three research questions, five themes were found: (1) support systems, (2) impacts on decision making, (3) school responsibility, (4) community responsibility, and (5) open communication in the home. These findings expand the current literature and fill gaps in knowledge to inform schools, communities, and homes about how to best empower young women in their sexual health and pregnancy prevention efforts. This study aimed to contribute to the body of research on teen pregnancy prevention and sexual and reproductive health by getting an overall cohesive grasp of this phenomenon. A deep understanding of young women's educational experiences and needs can give stakeholders, educators, and the community insight. This research aims to meet such demand. Future research, practice, and policy implications are considered.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Public health

Department dc:contributor.department

Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Grantor

Iowa State University

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Triplett, Laura

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Hughes-Belding, Kere
• Dyches, Jeanne
• Gilligan, Megan
• Melby, Janet
• Popillion, Amy

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31274/td-20240329-296

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dr.lib.iastate.edu:20.500.12876/WwPgBXMz