Attitude of Parents on Adding Sex Education in School Curriculum

Abstract

Sex education is conveying the message in school regarding human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction and reproductive health. Schools play a central role in having a positive and sustained impact on children sexual health and well-being. A study was conducted in Dhinapura village of Roopnagar district, Punjab, India to assess and compare the attitudes of the parents on adding sex education in school curriculum. About 100 parents (50 fathers and 50 mothers) of school going children those fulfilling the inclusive criteria were selected for the study by quota sampling technique; out of which 50 were male and 50 were female. The conceptual framework of the study was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). A five point Likert scale was developed to assess the attitude of parents towards adding sex education in school curriculum. Content validity of the study tools was determined. Reliability (internal consistency) of attitude scale was checked by split half method and tool was found to be reliable (P=0.70). Pilot study was conducted and feasibility of the study was determined, where the study was found to be feasible. Informed consent was obtained from the study participants and anonymity was assured for all the information provided. Data were collected in the month of March 2015. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that most of the study participants had positive attitude on adding sex education in school curriculum (Mean percentage 73.72%). There was no significant difference between the attitude of male and female participants (p˃0.05). The study concluded that most of the participants (parents of school going children) had positive attitude towards adding sex education in school curriculum. The comparison between attitude of male and female parents was found to be positive.

Keywords: attitude, sex education, school curriculum, parents

Cite this Article

Pareek B, Thakur B. Attitude of Parents on Adding Sex Education in School Curriculum. Research & Reviews: Journal of Medicine. 2016; 6(1): 5–9p.