Comprehensive Sexual Health Educational Learning Modules for College Students

Abstract

Sexual health education in the United States continues to be a controversial topic of discussion with no federal regulations. Due to this, the sex education students receive before college varies greatly. Our team discovered that no mandatory, comprehensive sexual health education is required for students once they enter the California State University system. At Cal Poly specifically, it was found that students were engaging in risky sexual behaviors. For example, the 2021 American College Health Association—National College Health Assessment III Fall 2021 Data Report revealed that less than half (42.1%) of students reported regularly using condoms during vaginal sex, and a mere 5.1% of students reported barrier method use during oral sex. To fill in the noticed gaps in our students’ sexual health education, our team developed a set of 10 comprehensive sexual health educational learning modules. The modules cover topics ranging from condom use and STIs to pleasure, porn literacy, and having difficult conversations with a partner. This anonymous online resource provides students with easy-to-read written material and engaging graphics. Future research will focus on user engagement and the effect of the resource on sexual health best practices across our campus.