Effectiveness of a comprehensive sexuality education program for secondary school students in a vulnerable Peruvian context

Abstract

Introduction: In Peru, incomplete sex education among adolescents is associated with high rates of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, limiting informed and responsible decision-making in reproductive health. Educational interventions are a key strategy for prevention and promotion.

Objective. To evaluate the effect of the EDUSE program on the level of knowledge about comprehensive sex education in first-year secondary school students.

Methods. Pre-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention measurements in 209 adolescents. A validated questionnaire was used to assess four dimensions: identity and body image, autonomy and self-care, critical thinking, and affectivity. The intervention consisted of seven participatory educational sessions. The McNemar test was used with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results. A significant increase was observed in identity and physicality (75.1%→94.3%, p<0,001), autonomy and self-care (75.1%→92.8% p<0,001), critical thinking (72.2%→89.5% p<0, p<0,001 lo que evidencia001), and affectivity (27.3%→62.2%, p<0,001). Seventy percent of the items showed statistically significant differences.

Conclusion. The EDUSE program significantly improved adolescents' knowledge of Comprehensive Sexual Education, demonstrating its potential as a preventive educational strategy in the school environment.