Henderson et al studied sexual health and relationships education (SHARE) delivered between 1996 and 1999 in east Scotland.1 They showed no statistically significant influence on conceptions or terminations by age 20 years.
In the article by Henderson et al, SHARE was delivered exclusively by school teachers,1 but an earlier study on the same cohort highlighted the limitations of using such an approach.2 Recent advice to local authorities and NHS organisations reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach in working to reduce teenage pregnancies.3 A review of the evidence in preparation for the second phase of the national health demonstration project, “Healthy Respect,” shows that a multifaceted approach combining education, information and services has the best chance of improving sexual health outcomes.4 In Scotland, teachers now work alongside youth workers, school nurses, and voluntary organisations to deliver SHARE5 with improved access to services for young people.
Competing interests: None declared.
References
- 1.Henderson M, Wight D, Raab GM, Abraham C, Parkes A, Scott S, et al. Impact of a theoretically based sex education programme (SHARE) delivered by teachers on NHS registered conceptions and terminations: final results of cluster randomised trial. BMJ 2007;334:133-6. (20 January.) [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Wight D, Raab G, Henderson M, Abraham C, Buston K, Hart G, et al. The limits of teacher-delivered sex education: interim behavioural outcomes from a randomised trial. BMJ 2002;324:1430-3. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.Department for Education and Skills. Teenage pregnancy: accelerating the strategy to 2010. London: Department for Education and Skills, 2006.
- 4.Henderson S. Briefing paper 2. Promoting a healthy respect: what does the evidence support? Edinburgh: Health Scotland, 2006.
- 5.Scottish Executive. Respect and responsibility Strategy and action plan for improving sexual health.