Sexual health knowledge of students at a high school in Nova Scotia

Purpose: In the context of a community-development project related to adolescent sexual health, this study was carried our at Amherst Regional High School (ARHS) in Amherst, Nova Scotia, to assess students' sexual health knowledge, gender differences in knowledge, and associations between knowledge and sexual behaviours. Methods: A 29-item scale assessed knowledge in five areas of sexual health. Gender differences in correct responses to questions were compared. Overall knowledge scores were compared by gender, grade, and sexual activity, and tested for association with sexual behaviours. Results: Of 796 students, 80% participated. Sexual health knowledge scores were highest for active females. Higher score was associated with oral contraceptive use and later sexual debut. Knowledge was highest for HIV/AIDS. Students were insufficiently aware of their right to patient confidentiality. Conclusions: ARHS students lack knowledge in health areas. School programs should consider these findings, and work to improve school-based sexual health education.