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Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a newsletter written by teenagers on sexual and health issues in changing knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual activity, condom use, and drug use. Four hundred and nineteen high school students completed a pretest, were given a copy of an eight-page newsletter on sexual and health issues to read as homework, and then completed a posttest during the next class period. Findings indicate that reading the newsletter led to more positive attitudes toward postponing sexual involvement and more negative attitudes toward using drugs. Moreover, the newsletter was particularly effective in changing the knowledge and attitudes of Black students. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for school-based sexuality education.

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The Effectiveness of a Sexuality Education Newsletter in Influencing Teenagers’ Knowledge and Attitudes about Sexual Involvement and Drug Use

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