Educational Differences in Sexual Health among Adolescents in Europe: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
In European countries with stratified educational trajectories, in which adolescents are separated into vocational and academic tracks, studies have shown that there are educational differences in adolescent sexual health. However, due to heterogeneity of the existing literature in terms of national educational systems and dimensions of sexual health being studied, uncertainty remains about the strength of the association between educational track and adolescent sexual health. The current meta-analysis synthesizes the available evidence on educational differences in sexual health among adolescents in Europe. Further, it tests the extent to which findings vary according to the (sub)domain of sexual health being studied, and study and sample characteristics such as study quality, gender and ethnic background of participants. This meta-analysis included 47 studies, with 159 effect sizes, and 177,169 adolescents (Mage = 16.59, SD = 2.17). Results revealed a significant association between educational track and adolescent sexual health (g = 0.279, 95% CI[0.204, 0.354], p 2 = 80.23%) across studies, which remained significant after adding the moderators, indicating substantial complexity in this relationship that warrants cautious interpretation. This meta-analysis confirmed that there are educational track differences in sexual health among adolescents in Europe, and clarified how this relationship varies according to sexual health (sub)domains and study and sample…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 177,169 participants or records.
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