Review

THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Volume: 28 Number: 2 August 12, 2026
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THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Sex education plays a crucial role in equipping adolescents with accurate knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support healthy sexual development and responsible decision-making. Despite increasing global recognition of its importance, risky sexual behaviours among adolescents remain a public health concern. This systematic literature review examines the influence of sex education on adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behaviours. A comprehensive search was conducted in APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Plus with Full Text for studies published between 1980 and 2023. Search terms included combinations of “sex education,” “adolescents,” “sexual attitudes,” and “sexual behaviour.” Following the screening process based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 empirical studies involving adolescents were reviewed. The findings indicate that sex education generally improves adolescents’ sexual knowledge, particularly regarding reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections and contraception. Several studies reported positive changes in sexual attitudes, including increased awareness of gender equity, delayed sexual initiation, and more responsible decision-making. Differences in program content, methodology, demographic characteristics, and cultural contexts may explain variations of the results. The review highlights the importance of comprehensive, context-sensitive sex education programs and underscores the need for further research using robust methodological designs to better understand their long-term impact on adolescent sexual health outcomes.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

An official statement from Kırıkkale University indicates that ethical approval is not required for this study, as it is a systematic review and does not involve direct human participation.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

August 12, 2026

Submission Date

April 5, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 7, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 28 Number: 2

APA
Atsü, B. (2026). THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. The Journal of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine, 28(2), 357-366. https://doi.org/10.24938/kutfd.1923816
AMA
1.Atsü B. THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Kırıkkale Uni Med J. 2026;28(2):357-366. doi:10.24938/kutfd.1923816
Chicago
Atsü, Begüm. 2026. “THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW”. The Journal of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine 28 (2): 357-66. https://doi.org/10.24938/kutfd.1923816.
EndNote
Atsü B (August 1, 2026) THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. The Journal of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine 28 2 357–366.
IEEE
[1]B. Atsü, “THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW”, Kırıkkale Uni Med J, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 357–366, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.24938/kutfd.1923816.
ISNAD
Atsü, Begüm. “THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW”. The Journal of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine 28/2 (August 1, 2026): 357-366. https://doi.org/10.24938/kutfd.1923816.
JAMA
1.Atsü B. THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Kırıkkale Uni Med J. 2026;28:357–366.
MLA
Atsü, Begüm. “THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW”. The Journal of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 357-66, doi:10.24938/kutfd.1923816.
Vancouver
1.Begüm Atsü. THE INFLUENCE OF SEX EDUCATION ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES OF ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Kırıkkale Uni Med J. 2026 Aug. 1;28(2):357-66. doi:10.24938/kutfd.1923816

This Journal is a Publication of Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine.