The Long-Term Effects of a Peer-Led Sex Education Programme (RIPPLE)
Author Information
Author(s): Judith Stephenson, Vicki Strange, Elizabeth Allen, Andrew Copas, Anne Johnson, Chris Bonell, Abdel Babiker, Ann Oakley
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
Does peer-led sex education reduce unintended teenage pregnancy compared to teacher-led sex education?
Conclusion
Peer-led sex education was not associated with a change in teenage abortions but may have led to fewer teenage births.
Supporting Evidence
- One in 20 girls in both study arms had one or more abortions.
- 7.5% of girls in the intervention arm had live births compared to 10.6% in the control arm.
- Fewer girls in the peer-led arm reported a pregnancy by age 18.
- There were no significant differences in other sexual health outcomes between the two groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether teaching sex education by older students helps younger students avoid getting pregnant. It found that it didn't change the number of abortions but might help reduce the number of babies born to teenagers.
Methodology
A cluster randomised trial with 27 schools in England, comparing peer-led and teacher-led sex education over 7 years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differential follow-up rates and self-reported data.
Limitations
The trial did not have a 'no sex education' control group, limiting conclusions about the overall impact of sex education.
Participant Demographics
Pupils aged 13-14 years at baseline, from diverse schools in England.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.64
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.42–0.91
Statistical Significance
p = 0.64
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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