Long-Term Impacts of Online Sexual Education in Colombia

This project will attempt to (1) quantify long-term impacts of online sexual education on later-life outcomes and attitudes and (2) investigate mechanisms through which online sexual education reduces barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health products and services in Colombia. In 2009 and 2010, thousands of students from 69 urban, public secondary schools in 21 different Colombian cities were part of a randomized study evaluating an online sexual education course. Through administrative data, a new survey, and collaboration with Profamilia, a local non-profit organization focused on sexual and reproductive health in Colombia, this study will attempt to follow up with these students to investigate long-term impacts of online sexual health education and mechanisms through which this form of sexual education may be most effective at reducing teenage pregnancy and STI transmission. The Tinker Field Research Grant through the UC Berkeley Center for Latin American Studies allowed me to conduct preliminary investigations with local experts, learn more about Colombian culture, and develop strong contacts and partners at Profamilia.