Trends in Research on Adolescent Sexuality Education, Fertility Awareness, and the Possibility of Life Planning Based on Reproductive Health Education

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the trends in research on adolescent sexuality education in Japan and other countries and on fertility awareness, as well as the possibility of life planning based on sex and reproductive health education. Mason-Jones AJ et al. reviewed the results of school-based intervention studies on the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. There is little evidence supporting the idea that educational curriculum-based programs alone are effective in improving sex and reproductive health outcomes in adolescents. In another study, the effectiveness of school-based sexuality education for adolescents in Japan was evaluated. The Japan Medical Abstract Society was searched for articles published in the last 10 years. In many studies, the effects were compared before and after a single sexuality education lecture by professionals, such as doctors, midwives, and public health nurses. In Japan, effort has been directed toward sexuality education, but no systematic program based on behavior theory has been adopted. Therefore, sex education is insufficient. A third study clarified research on fertility awareness in adults and issues regarding improvements in related education and research. The Japan Medical Abstract Society and PubMed were searched for articles published in the last 10 years. The review suggested that awareness of female fertility is insufficient. Delaying childbearing based on inaccurate knowledge of the decline in female fertility could lead to unintended infertility. For males and females, sexual health education in schools and communities should include information on the age-related decline in female fertility. Although the determinants of the timing of childbearing are multifactorial, education on fertility issues is necessary to help adults make informed reproductive decisions based on accurate information. Finally, in this paper, we introduce examples of the pioneering efforts in sexual health education through collaboration between the governments of Oita and Okayama Prefectures and Oita and Okayama Universities.