{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Introducing comprehensive sexuality education in Italian schools: from the co-construction to the evaluation of a pilot intervention.
{Author}: Chinelli A;Ubbiali M;Paparatto G;Torri E;Musco A;Galipò R;Meli P;Bellini S;Catucci N;Colaprico L;Camposeragna A;Farinella M;Rancilio L;Landi N;Stettini P;Salfa MC;Cellini A;Suligoi B;Palamara AT;Mortari L;Caraglia A;Martinelli D;Tavoschi L;
{Journal}: BMC Public Health
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Aug 2
{Factor}: 4.135
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12889-024-19610-7
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>School-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a powerful tool that provides young people with information on all aspects of sexuality and is aimed at protecting their sexual and reproductive health and well-being throughout their lives. Currently, CSE is not integrated within the schools' curriculum in Italy. This study describes the co-construction, implementation, and evaluation of a CSE project piloted among students attending lower secondary schools, in four regions of Italy. Evidence-based evaluation will be helpful in promote the inclusion of CSE programs in the Italian schools' curriculum.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The pilot scheme was co-constructed by a multidisciplinary curriculum development group through a Delphi process, including educators who conducted the activities. The evaluation followed three directions: the program (based on a literature review of CSE principles and recommended characteristics), implementation (assessing the execution of the program through the analysis of the reflection tools used by the educators), and short-term outcomes (assessing critical thinking and conscious behavioural choices through pre-post and satisfaction surveys).<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The main goal, learning modules and content were defined and structured in five interventions with the students, and two with families and teachers. A total of 638 students were involved in the activity, across 11 schools. Data analysis of pre/post surveys reported a significant increase in knowledge in 12 of the 15 items investigated (p < 0.05), and a high level of satisfaction with the topics addressed. Qualitative analysis added information on the pivotal role of educators in CSE.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The national piloting of this educational activity provided positive insights regarding the co-construction, implementation and short-outcome evaluation, suggesting potential for scalability and future inclusion of CSE in the curricula of Italian schools.