Evaluation of sex education and contraception instruction at the contraception clinic in Odense
Mygind, L.; Nielsen, R.T.; Wielandt, H.B.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 158(11): 1503-1507
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 8644395 Document Number: 469261
The aim of the study was to evaluate 1 1/2 hours of lessons on contraception given to 9. and 10. grade students at the Contraception Clinic in Odense, Denmark. The lessons are a supplement to the traditional sexual education given at the school. The study included 148 pupils in the period from August 1991 to January 1992. The median age was 15 years for both girls and boys. The pupils answered two identical questionnaires; one just before the lessons were given and the other ten to 13 weeks after the visit to the clinic. The article presents the answers given about male and female sexual function, knowledge/own choice of contraception, pregnancy, abortion and HIV. The extra lessons improved the knowledge among the pupils, but there were still some boys with inadequate knowledge. The article gives suggestions for improving the teaching of contraception, such as having both male and female teachers. This would also emphasize that both sexes have a common responsibility. If the pupils answer a simple questionnaire before the lessons, it is possible to goal-direct the education to individual requirements. The pupils are introduced to the Contraception Clinic, where they easily can seek advice in the future.