The Long-Term Effects of a Peer-Led Sex Education Programme (RIPPLE): A Cluster Randomised Trial in Schools in England
2008

Peer-Led vs Teacher-Led Sex Education

Sample size: 27 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): David A. Ross

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

Does peer-led sex education reduce unintended teenage pregnancy compared to teacher-led education?

Conclusion

The study found inconclusive results regarding the effectiveness of peer-led sex education in reducing unintended pregnancies and abortions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Peer-led programs were more popular with students.
  • Self-reported pregnancies were lower in the peer-led group.
  • Objective data showed no significant difference in registered abortions.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether having older students teach younger ones about sex helps prevent teen pregnancies. The results were unclear.

Methodology

A cluster randomized trial comparing peer-led and teacher-led sex education in 27 secondary schools.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may be biased due to reporting errors.

Limitations

The peer-led program was more labor-intensive and had low participation from schools.

Participant Demographics

Secondary school students aged 13-14 in England.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.07

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.31,1.02

Statistical Significance

p=0.07

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.0050224

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