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Learning about sex: results from Natsal 2000
Wendy Macdowall1, Kaye Wellings, Catherine H Mercer
1Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom. wendy.macdowall@lshtm.ac.uk
Summary
Young people often feel ignorant about sexual matters, despite perceptions of sophistication. Parents and schools are preferred sources for further sexual health information, highlighting a need to support parental guidance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Sexual Health Education
Background:
- Sex education research primarily focuses on behavioral outcomes.
- Limited data exists on young people's perceived sexual health needs and information gaps.
- Understanding preferred information sources is crucial for improving sex education provision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate young people's main sources of sexual information.
- To assess the adequacy of current sexual knowledge and identify further needs.
- To determine preferred sources for additional sexual health information.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Natsal 2000 probability sample survey in Britain.
- Interviewed 11,161 participants aged 16 to 44 years (4,762 men, 6,399 women).
- Achieved a response rate of 65.4% for the survey.
Main Results:
- A significant level of self-perceived ignorance regarding sexual matters was reported by young people.
- Parents and schools were identified as the most preferred sources for further sexual health information.
- Despite perceived sophistication, knowledge gaps persist among the surveyed population.
Conclusions:
- Current sex education may not adequately address young people's knowledge needs.
- Interventions should focus on empowering parents to provide sexual health information to their children, particularly sons.
- Future research should explore effective methods for improving sexual health literacy through preferred channels.
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