Changes Before and After a Life-Skills Sexuality Education Program for Middle-School Students in Korea : A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of life skills–based sexuality education programs by comparing the experimental and control groups before (Pretest), immediately after (Post-test 1), and one year after (Post-test 2) the implementation of the program. The participants were first-year middle-school students in Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected from 500 adolescents, and statistical analyses including the independent t-test, χ²-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance were conducted. The results from the Pretest, Post-test 1, and Post-test 2 indicated that the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group in terms of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, life-skill levels, and sexual health attitudes. This study demonstrated that the life skills-based sexuality education program was substantially more effective and provided long-term benefits compared general sexuality education. However, as the test scores declined after one year, it is recommended to offer supplemental courses every semester to maintain the effectiveness of the program.