Support for school-based reproductive health services among South Carolina voters.

In 1997 a statewide random digit-dialed telephone survey of 534 South Carolina registered voters was conducted to determine level of support for school-based reproductive health services. Results indicated most voters supported services in secondary schools that would provide students with information and counseling about contraceptive methods and refer students to community-based agencies for abstinence education and counseling. Voters were less supportive of reproductive health services that would diagnose or treat sexually transmitted diseases, test for pregnancy, refer students to community-based agencies for contraceptives, or make contraceptives available to students at school. Significant associations in support for school-based reproductive health services were reported based on income, personal beliefs, intentions, and outcome expectations regarding sexuality education and contraceptive availability. These data reinforce the need for school-aged youth in South Carolina to have access to reproductive health services within their communities, outside of the school setting.

Support for instruction about homosexuality in South Carolina public schools.

Research has demonstrated that recognition of sexual orientation begins in adolescence. However, students who identify as gay or lesbian report that the subject of homosexuality is virtually absent from classroom instruction. In South Carolina public schools, the subject of homosexuality may not be discussed except during instruction about sexually transmitted diseases. In 1997, survey data were obtained from 534 South Carolina registered voters to determine level of support for school-based sexuality education, including support for instruction about homosexuality. Overall, support for sexuality education was strong, however, homosexuality was the least-supported subject in the survey. In addition, registered voters were less sure as to what grade level instruction about homosexuality should begin. Characteristics of voters who supported and opposed instruction about homosexuality in the public schools were examined and compared. These data may be useful in building support for sexuality education programs that address this controversial topic.

Support for school-based sexuality education among South Carolina voters.

A random-digit dialed telephone survey was conducted in a traditionally conservative southern state to determine the level of support for sexuality education in the public schools including support for specific sexuality education topics, the earliest grade level at which each topic should be taught, and the amount of instruction time required for sexuality education in the high schools. Survey data were obtained from 534 South Carolina registered voters in late January/early February 1997. Results demonstrated that most South Carolina registered voters: 1) supported sexuality education in the public schools; 2) supported instruction on a variety of sexuality education topics; 3) supported instruction at all grade levels, especially beginning in middle school; and 4) believed instruction time for sexuality education in the high schools should either remain the same or be increased. In addition, a significant increase in support for sexuality education occurred from the beginning of the survey to the end, suggesting that the instrument itself may have served as an educational tool for respondents. The characteristics of registered voters who supported sexuality education at the beginning of the survey and at the end were examined and compared. These results may assist in the development of educational and marketing strategies designed to build support for school-based sexuality education programs in South Carolina and elsewhere.