STD education in an HSA service area: mechanism for improvement

Eighty-six school districts residing in an area encompassing a regional health systems agency were inventoried regarding their educational practices about STD (sexually transmitted diseases). The purpose of this study was to provide for the health systems agency: 1) an assessment of the current and future role of schools in education about STD; 2) an impact statement of this role regarding teacher' preparation in institutions of higher learning. Results indicated that only 78% of the school districts have a written health education course of study, despite state mandate for such. Of the districts complying to mandate, 79% include guidelines for teaching about STD, but only 38% have written instructional objectives about STD. Instructional emphasis is in the area of "effects," with less emphasis placed on "prevention," "cause," and "mode of transmission." Principal barriers to effective STD education identified are a failure to recognize STD as a health threat, a lack of acceptable teacher-assistance materials, and a prevailing community opinion that views STD education with reluctance. Given these impediments, the future role of schools in STD education in this geographic area is severely limited. To expand STD educational efforts in pre-service or in-service preparation of teachers is not likely to have much practical value.