The impact of medical expert-led sex education on sexual health knowledge among Japanese junior high school students: a quantitative study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a sex education lecture led by medical professionals on junior high school students' knowledge and attitudes regarding oral contraceptives (OCs), contraception, cervical cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study received approval from Nippon Medical School Hospital's Ethics Committee. Thirty-seven high schools participated in the lecture, which featured a 1-h comprehensive lecture delivered by a gynecologist. Questionnaires were administered both before and after the lecture.

RESULTS

A total of 5,833 and 5,383 students responded to the questionnaires before and after the lecture, respectively. Female students were more likely to seek information from teachers and parents, while male students relied on friends or had limited knowledge. Postlecture, awareness of OCs increased, with more students recognizing their benefits beyond contraception, such as relieving menstrual cramps. There was also a marked improvement in understanding contraceptive methods. Knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV saw a significant rise, with more correct responses reported. Additionally, the lecture prompted a greater willingness among students to receive the HPV vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that sex education delivered by gynecologists led to significant gains in knowledge and awareness and may have contributed to more positive attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health among male and female students. These results underscore the potential benefits of involving medical experts in sex education to enhance its impact on adolescents in Japan.