Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll: A Service-Learning Innovation to Enhance Medical Student Knowledge and Comfort With Sexual Health

• Main Authors: Jennifer E. Desrosiers (Author), Sean A. Macpherson (Author), Edward P. Coughlan (Author), Ngaere M. Dawson (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Association of American Medical Colleges, 2016-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10421; 2374-8265
• Keywords: LGBT; Service-Learning; Sexuality; Public Health; Sexual Health; Medicine (General); R5-920; Education; L
• Source: MedEdPORTAL, Vol 12 (2016)

Abstract Introduction Sexual health is an intrinsic element of overall health; however, opportunities to enhance medical student comfort and knowledge about sexual health vary substantially and receive limited curricular time. Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll is a novel service-learning initiative designed to enhance undergraduate medical student knowledge and comfort with sexual health. A total of 80 fifth-year undergraduate medical students researched, designed, and delivered a short sexual health promotion initiative for a population that experiences inequity. Methods This initiative employed active learning tasks including performing a literature review, participating in team learning, facilitating small-group sessions, and providing peer feedback. Ongoing formative feedback from the program leaders, tutors, and members of the target audience contributed to student development. A summative assessment rubric was used by program leaders to evaluate student performance at the end of the module. Anonymized pre- and posttest knowledge questions and module evaluations were used to evaluate the module. Results All 80 (100%) students completed randomized pre- and posttest knowledge questions and module evaluations. Student knowledge scores about sexuality and sexual health improved by 17% between pre- and posttest. All students reported increased comfort with and understanding of the clinical relevance of sexual health in the module evaluations. Discussion Sex, Bugs, and Rock 'n' Roll is a promising initiative for improving medical student knowledge and comfort with sexual health. This module also offers a novel way for students to experience sexual health, public health, and social accountability in an active and engaging fashion.