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Promoting Access to Positive Sexual Health in Schools to Support Equitable Academic Outcomes
Beth D Marshall1, Terrinieka W Powell1, Annie D Smith1
1Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Background:
Sexual health is critical to academic success and adolescent well-being. This paper expands Basch's 2011 analysis of sexual health disparities to a comprehensive definition of positive adolescent health, including teen births, sexually transmitted infections (STI), dating violence, and sexual identity discrimination.
Contributions To Theory:
Over the last two decades, as teen birth rates fall and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates rise, patterns of disparities stay relatively constant. Driven by systemic factors like institutionalized racism and poverty, Fundamental Cause Theory posits that these social factors restrict access to resources. These disparities, which disproportionately affect youth of color, low-income students, and LGBTQ+ youth, impact academic outcomes through documented causal pathways of chronic absenteeism, trauma-related cognitive disruption, and school disengagement.
Implications For School Health Policy, Practice, And Equity:
Schools should adopt multicomponent, evidence-based strategies including inclusive Comprehensive Sexual Health Education, access to sexual health services through School-based Health Centers and community linkages, and safe environments and protective policies. Engaging stakeholders is essential for program sustainability and cultural responsiveness.
Conclusions:
Sexual health disparities are educationally relevant health disparities. Addressing these is fundamental to schools' mission of closing achievement gaps. Prioritizing sexual health and safety ensures all students reach their full potential.
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