Relationship Between Sex Education in High School and Current Sexual Behaviors Among Rural Young Adults

Young adults in the United States experience a disproportionately high burden of sexually transmitted diseases and geographic location may further contribute to disparities in sexual health outcomes. This study identified associations between adolescent sexual health education and sexual behaviors in young adulthood among individuals living in the rural South using a cross-sectional survey panel. Three sexual health outcomes were measured: contraception use, barrier use, and HPV vaccination. Most sexual health education topics were significantly associated with contraceptive use at last intercourse. Overall, the results underscore the importance of continued investment in comprehensive sexual education in rural settings.