Department
Psychology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2017
Abstract
Despite Kentucky having almost twice the national birth rate with 50 births per 1,000 female population ages 15-19 (County Health Rankings, 2015), the implementation of comprehensive sexual education in Kentucky public schools remains a controversial topic. This study examined parental attitudes regarding comprehensive sex education curriculum in a rural Kentucky middle school. A survey was distributed to a convenience sample population of parents (N=100) whose children were enrolled in a rural Appalachian middle school in grades 6th thru 8th. Data were analyzed using Chi square and multi-variate techniques. Of the 63 participants, 58.7% believed that sex education should begin in middle school. Of the 73% (n=46) of respondents who believed abstinence-plus should be taught, 58.7% (n=27) were between the ages of 26 and 35, and 28.3% (n=13) were between the ages of 36 and 45. Differences in attitudes towards sex education was strongly influenced by both age and education level.
Recommended Citation
Howard, T. R., Larkin, L. J., Ballard, M. D., McKinney, M. A., & Gore, J. S. (2017). Parental Views on Sexual Education in Public Schools in a Rural Kentucky County Eastern Kentucky University. KAHPERD Journal, 54(2), 32-43.
Journal Title
KAHPERD Journal
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
