Comprehensive sexuality education in primary education: analyzing the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge, perceptions, and communication-a quasi-experimental study.

Introduction: Comprehensive sexuality education is fundamental for the healthy development of children and adolescents, as it promotes essential knowledge, values, and skills for responsible emotional and sexual lives. Early and integrated implementation within the school curriculum contributes to the prevention of risks such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and exposure to pornography. This study aimed to explore short-term changes following a school-based sexual health education intervention among primary school students. Methods: A quantitative pre-post approach was employed using a quasi-experimental design with a single intervention group. Participants were assessed through pre- and post-tests using non probabilistic sampling. The educational intervention addressed topics including sexuality, puberty, consent, anatomical knowledge, and critical understanding of sexual content. Results: The intervention was associated with increased understanding of sexuality, puberty, and consent among students. Improvements were observed in anatomical knowledge as well as in students' comfort and openness when discussing sexual health topics. Levels of exposure to sexual content were identified, highlighting the relevance of early and age-appropriate education. Prior to the intervention, students reported limited knowledge about sexuality and puberty and relied primarily on family as their main source of information. Discussion: Educational interventions may help normalize discussions about sexuality and improve communication among primary school students. However, insufficient responses to abuse situations and increasing exposure to pornography emphasize the need for comprehensive, critical, and age-appropriate sexuality education from early educational stages.