Sex Ed by Brown Med: A Student-Run Curriculum and Its Impact on Sexual Health Knowledge

Risky sexual behavior among adolescents is a public health crisis. We describe a novel approach to sexual health education where medical students manage a curriculum for an entire seventh grade in one Rhode Island city to better equip students with comprehensive knowledge about sexual health.

Medical students were trained to teach 12 sessions to seventh-grade students under the supervision of the classroom teacher using a curriculum designed by medical students and faculty (modeled on the Family Life and Sexual Health [FLASH] curriculum but tailored to meet the community's needs). Pre- and postassessment surveys were conducted during the 2015-2016 academic year. We analyzed survey data collected pre- and postprogram using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Pre and postassessments were completed by 62% of students (74/120). Students completing the curriculum scored 8% higher on the postassessment vs the preassessment, (70.4% vs 62.32%, absolute difference=8.11%, P<0.001). Student knowledge improved in domains of pregnancy prevention, reproductive system/anatomy, general knowledge and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe sex practices, sexual assault, and sexual decision making. Respondents' perception of the importance of school-based sexual health lessons as well as their willingness to discuss sexual issues with an adult increased after completing the program.

A year-long, middle school-based sexual health program taught by medical students showed significant improvements in sexual health knowledge and increased willingness to engage in dialogue about sex with trusted adults. Adolescents may benefit from long-term interaction and instruction about sexual education from medical students.