When Abstinence-Only Education is Not Enough: An In-Depth Literature Review of Adolescent Sex Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of school-based abstinenceonly sex education compared to school-based comprehensive sex education (CSE). Additionally, an in-depth search of new and upcoming technological tools used to teach CSE was conducted. A comprehensive literature review using Academic Search Premier, Cinahl, Cochrane, Medline and ScienceDirect databases was completed, focusing on studies conducted from 2012 to 2017. Although the goal of abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) programs is to delay the initiation of sexual intercourse until marriage, recent demographic trends in the United States; show AOUM methods to be ineffective. As the age of first marriage has risen, there has been a substantial increase in premarital sex. Compared to AOUM sexual education, CSE provides better outcomes for adolescent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy prevention. AOUM programs are not effective in delaying initiation of sexual intercourse or changing other behaviors. Our research suggests adolescents need CSE programs that provide age-appropriate and medically accurate information. Furthermore, the use of innovative neuroscience technology provides new methods to strengthen school-based sexual education programs through web-based and audio/visual technological interventions.