Social validity of comprehensive sexuality education effects in the suburbs of the Federal District, Brazil: a case study

Comprehensive sexuality education is an effective strategy to promote adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health and exercise citizenship. This paper presents the social validity of the effects of intervention research, through multiple case studies, with students and teachers, in two public schools in the Federal District. Participatory workshops were used to address self-esteem, gender identity, sexual orientation, support networks, contraceptive methods, youth participation, and violence. We generated data through reports and evaluations of each workshop, field diaries, photographic records, and final evaluation questionnaires with teachers and students. The results indicate that the study could: i) expose the context of structural vulnerability in the cases studied; ii) promote new behaviors and ways of thinking; iii) facilitate learning and the development of skills for health and well-being. The findings endorse the intervention’s high social validity of the effects, showing its ability to effect change for teachers and students, including improving their relationship. The observed tensions confirm the importance of teacher training and the urgency of support initiatives that can overcome the political and ideological challenges of the issue.

Key words:
Comprehensive sexuality education; Skills; Social validity of effects