O-037 Sex and reproductive health education in the UK: What are we teaching teenagers?

Abstract Study question Are we giving teenagers in the UK a comprehensive sex and reproductive health education? Summary answer Teenagers report learning about how not to get pregnant but have little education other topics. What is known already Both World Health Organization (WHO) United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural (UNESCO) agree that necessary component of education. But globally most countries teach limited information on education, concentrating pregnant. They may cover puberty, contraception sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rarely pregnant, PCOS, endometriosis or menopause. We analysed curriculum at two exam stages (age 16 18), which has shown majority topics come under are covered. design, size, duration conducted mixed-methods study, distributing an anonymous, online survey using multiple choice open-ended questions Qualtrics software schools for students aged 16-18 years. The distributed either classroom link was given students. live 62 weeks (10th May 2021 – 18th July 2022). final sample size n = 1224. Participants/materials, setting, methods study had ethical approval from UCL research Ethics Committee ID no: 9831/006. A total 1244 completed partially survey: 754 girls, 344 boys, 38 others, 17 prefer say. qualitative data thematically. Main results role chance Over half teenagers’ rated they received their schools’ be adequate below (55%, 708/1080). top three popular taught (90%, 968/1080), STI’s (85%, 914/1080) puberty (83%, 899/1080). Outside learnt by were abortion (63%, 675/1080), (60%, 648/1080) menstrual cycle 650/1080). through internet (69%, 745/1080) social media 646/1080) over (74%, 800/1076) these do only sometimes, talk parents/guardian Common reason talking because it uncomfortable embarrassing (46%, 386/842). Half (49%, 502/1024) did know when woman fertility during cycle. estimated oldest age women can naturally children as: 40 years old (10%, 104/1024), 45 (23%, 263/1024), 50 (21%, 214/1024), man children: 60 (12%, 122/1024), 70 80+ (36%, 366/1024). showed better knowledge female than male fertility. Limitations, reasons caution Only 20 participated so representative all schools. Personal contacts teacher forum used promotion. Schools more deprived areas, faith teens without access digital device participate survey. Wider implications findings should teaching aspects health. this school talks second author helped development free teachers’ PowerPoints guide being promoted ESHRE International Fertility Education. Trial registration number Not applicable