BACKGROUND: School-based programs are important in addressing risky teenage sexual behavior. We implement- ed a sex education program using trained medical student volunteers. METHODS: Medical students (n=30) implemented a sev- en-session curriculum, designed by medical students and faculty, to 7th and 8th grade students (n=310) at a local school. Middle school students completed pre- and post-assessments. Teachers and medical students completed questionnaires relating their perceptions of students' attitudes and understanding of sexual health. RESULTS: Students completing the curriculum scored 5% higher on post- versus pre-assessment (84% vs 78.7%, p0.001). Statistically significant gains were noted in knowledge of reproductive system anatomy, communi- ty resources, and sexual decision making. Sixty percent of middle school teachers compared to only 16.7% of medical student volunteers reported discomfort teaching sexual health. DISCUSSION: Sexual education delivered by trained med- ical student volunteers may improve middle schoolers' understanding of sexual health.
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