Table 1 Overview of Sexuality Education Initiative (SEI) 12-session classroom curriculum topics

1. Introduction

Overview of program goals; introduction to gender stereotypes; availability of clinical sexual health services

2. Social and media messages

Images of femininity, masculinity, sex, and sexuality in popular media; impact of media on body image and gender-based violence

3. Gender and identity

Gender roles and stereotypes; how gender roles change over time; how strict gender roles can affect relationships

4. Relationships

Rights and responsibilities in sexual relationships; signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships

5. Sexuality

Defining sex and sexuality; sexuality as healthy and normal part of life; choosing abstinence and reasons to delay sex

6. Sexual and reproductive anatomy

Male and female anatomy; understanding how bodies work and normal differences in bodies’ shapes, sizes, and colors

7. Pregnancy

Biology of conception and pregnancy; pregnancy options; reasons for becoming or not becoming a parent

8. STIs and safer sex

How STIs are transmitted; differences between curable and treatable STIs; practicing safer sex; condom demonstration

9. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention and testing; continuum of risk for sexual behaviors

10. Contraception

Common methods of pregnancy prevention; effectiveness and safety of methods; how gender norms may affect decisions about sex; partner communication

11. Sexual choice and coercion

Unwanted vs. wanted sexual activity; consent; right to say ‘no’ and responsibility to ask; knowing one’s sexual limits; partner communication

12. Decision-making

Making healthy decisions about sex and relationships; how gender stereotypes may affect decision-making; identifying future goals