Data from the School Health Policies and Program Study in 2000 found that 92% of middle and junior high schools, and 96% of high schools taught abstinence as the best way to avoid HIV and STIs ( Centers for Disease Control, 2000). Traditional Sources of Sexual Education: Schools and ParentsĬurrently, 35 states mandate either sex education or HIV/AIDS/STI education, which can take the form of abstinence-only sex education or comprehensive sex education-an educational technique that combines aspects of abstinence and safe sex ( Guttmacher Institute, 2006). Also described are the early sexual experiences of these young men, which oftentimes included risk behaviors due to their lack of knowledge on sexual risk. This paper explores the formal sexual education experiences of a sample of YMSM and the more informal sexual education sources they used to fill in their gaps in knowledge. Without relevant sexual education, YMSM may be uninformed about how they can best protect themselves from contracting HIV and other STIs. condoms) in order to negotiate safer sex with sexual partners ( Kegeles, Hays, & Coates, 1996 Mutchler, 2002). Research suggests that YMSM need HIV prevention knowledge, skills, peer support, and technology (i.e. This is alarming because data indicate that young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have high prevalence rates for HIV ( Valleroy et al., 2000) and that those rates continue to increase ( Centers for Disease Control, 2008).
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) sexual health topics are frequently omitted from formal sexual education programs at schools ( Forrest & Silverman, 1989 Telljohann, Price, Poureslami, & Eaton, 1995). According to Strouse and Fabes (1985), the purpose of sexual education has been to promote healthy sexual relationships, encourage responsible decision-making, and reduce the incidence of unintended teenage pregnancies and STIs. Sexual education is broadly defined as including, but not limited to information related to: sex and sexuality, abstinence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, contraception, relationship decision-making, sexual orientation, human sexual development, the process of reproduction, and safe sex practices (D.
Findings are discussed in relation to how providers can help YMSM build solid foundations of sexual education to protect them from STI and HIV infection. Some relied on older/more experienced partners, the internet and pornography for information. Many mentioned they first learned about anal sex during their sexual debut, describing painful and/or unpleasant experiences. In some cases, this resulted in the perception that activities such as unprotected sex were “low risk”. At initiation of anal intercourse, respondents generally had limited information about HIV and STIs.
Findings indicate that information related to gay men’s sexuality is not readily available from family, friends or schools. Drawing on a mixed-methods study with 526 YMSM, this study explores how and where YMSM receive relevant information on sexual health/behavior. There remains a dearth of research on the relevant sexual health information available to young men who have sex with men (YMSM). A growing body of research is investigating the effectiveness of abstinence only sexual education.