The Impact of a Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Program on STI Knowledge and Attitudes among Philadelphia’s Proud Teens

Abstract Approximately 25% of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Philadelphia involve teens and birth rates among underserved youth is more than double the national average. Proud Teens of Philly (PTOP), a community-based youth-oriented sexual-health education program, aims to mitigate disparities among underserved youth, including Latino/Hispanic and Black youth. This study assessed the impact of PTOP on sexual-health education and behaviors among Philadelphia youth. Participants were recruited from schools, churches, and community-based organizations, to attend eight one-hour-long virtual synchronous sessions. Evidence-based sexual-health curricula, Positive Potential and Making Proud Choices, were administered to 650 Philadelphia students aged 12–18 during the 2021–2022 academic year. Pre- and post-surveys were administered electronically to collect data on demographics, sexual attitudes, HIV/STI knowledge, contraception knowledge and access, confidence in consent and condom use, and life skills. Paired t-tests comparing pre- and post-survey responses were conducted. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge (t = 10.48, p < 0.0001) regarding STI transmission, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and birth control. They felt more prepared to reject unprotected sex (t = 4.81, p < 0.0001) and better understood the efficacy of condoms. PTOP curricula increased exposure to alternative forms of contraception. In addition, students gained valuable skills in communication, goal setting, and emotion management. Engagement in a comprehensive sexual-health education program can significantly improve STI knowledge, sexual attitudes, and consent among underserved youth populations. Increased knowledge and emotion management empower teens to make safer choices, potentially limiting engagement in and adverse outcomes of risky sexual behaviors. Future studies should explore longitudinal impacts of youth-oriented sexual-health educational programs.