Exploring the Indirect Effect of Adolescents’ Intentions: Impacts of the Personal Responsibility Education Program on Sexual Health Indicators and Relationship Advocacy

Abstract

Research suggests that rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV are higher in the southern states as compared to other regions. Comprehensive sex education (CSE) has gained much attention as many studies have shown significant effects on sexual health behaviors and outcomes. However, research studies and evaluations assessing the impact of sex education specifically in the southern states are limited. This thesis aimed to evaluate the impact of a federally funded CSE program on adolescents’ sexual health indicators implemented in one of the southern states. Additionally, this study sought to examine the indirect effects of adolescents’ intentions on sexual health indicators and relationship advocacy after completing the CSE program. Lastly, this study aimed to examine potential differences in the relationship between intention to reduce SRBs and relationship advocacy based on the age of the participants. Results indicate that the CSE program was effective in changing adolescents’ sexual health indicators, intentions to reduce SRBs and relationship advocacy. Intentions to reduce SRBs mediated the relationship between the sexual health indicators and relationship advocacy. However, age did not significantly moderate the relationship between intentions to reduce SRBs and relationship advocacy. Findings demonstrate some support for the effectiveness of CSE program on adolescents' behavioral intent and the need for a multifaceted approach to influence adolescent sexual and reproductive health.