Medical students help bridge the gap in sexual health education among middle school youth.

BACKGROUND School-based programs are important in addressing risky teenage sexual behavior. We implemented a sex education program using trained medical student volunteers. METHODS Medical students (n=30) implemented a seven-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%, p<0.001). Statistically significant gains were noted in knowledge of reproductive system anatomy, community 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 medical student volunteers may improve middle schoolers' understanding of sexual health. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2017-01.asp].