ABSTRACT
We report on a seventh-grade sexual health curriculum comparison study that measures students’ sexual health knowledge and attitudes. All middle schools in the study area participated using existing and comprehensive curricula. A total of 260 online surveys were completed, and the results showed a significant curricular difference regarding student perception and attitudes toward sexual identity and orientation. The comprehensive curriculum group scored higher on openness and respect regarding diversity in sexual identities and orientation than the existing curriculum group. Given that LGBTQ+ students are at a greater risk of engaging in self-harm and suicidal attempts, this outcome has a significant potential for a comprehensive sexual health curriculum to assist efforts to address this issue. We also find that it is vital to have a more inclusive sexual health education model, which includes health education teachers and parents as well as the students.
