School-based sex education experiences among young adult Black women ages 18 to 22: Does state-level sex education policy matter?

Evidence-based sex education is critical for youth wellbeing, yet Black girls receive low-quality school-based instruction. This study examines sex education experiences (content learned, perceived quality), environment (grade level, instruction amount), and state-level policies mandating curriculum. Young adult Black women (18-22 years; N = 415) completed a cross-sectional survey on 31 topics potentially covered in sex education and the perceived quality of their sex education. Fourteen topics were endorsed as 'discussed, a lot.' Topics learned and perceived quality differed by grade level and instruction amount; state mandates showed limited associations with topics learned or perceived quality. Policy implementation requires improvement.