Educating Teenage Boys about Sexuality

Educating teenage boys about their role in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases was a project undertaken recently by faculty in The University of Texas School of Public Health. The school is one of more than 500 sites across the country that took part in Project Alpha, a week-long program sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the March of Dimes.

UT-Houston School of Public Health faculty associate Dr. Ronald J. Peters led the voluntary effort to educate local high school boys about their role in responsible sexual behavior. Dr. Peters is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

"Today's socioeconomic and health problems are tied to the high rates of teen pregnancies, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases," said Dr. Peters. "Project Alpha teaches thousands of young men, from a male perspective, the consequences of unhealthy choices."

UT-Houston's Project Alpha event involved local fraternity members with backgrounds in health education and law who spoke with male students from Houston's Madison and Westbury high schools. Students listened attentively as members shared knowledge about sexuality issues and changing attitudes about sexual behavior.

The sessions covered various topics on sexuality, fatherhood and the role of males in relationships. Dr. Peters says the small group interaction gave the students a sense of empowerment and self-esteem that encouraged them to ask questions and have frank discussions.

"Our School of Public Health and fraternity brothers helped provide a safe learning environment where these young people can explore important life issues," Dr. Peters said.

One of the fraternity brothers who discussed sexually transmitted diseases was Dr. Victor Narcisse, a UT-Houston School of Public Health student and a geriatric fellow at Baylor College of Medicine. He says the project's goal is not to advocate sexual activity, but rather to provide the tools for a healthy lifestyle at an early age.

"We want these young men to understand that when they are faced with a choice, abstinence is the answer. If they insist on engaging in sexual activity, protected sex is imperative."

Nearly 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year, and about 485,000 give birth, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Three million teens are affected by sexually transmitted diseases annually. These include chlamydia, syphilis and AIDS, which may lead to sterility, blindness and even death to both parents and infant.

Dr. Peters saw in Project Alpha a unique opportunity to apply his public health experience to the project.

"Applied public health is more than just research. It is about affording resources to indigent and underserved populations in a heartfelt and empowering way," Dr. Peters said.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/12_01_00/page_07.html