Bioethics teaching and discussion among adolescents: a systematic review

Resumo

This study analyzed the available evidence on the impact of bioethics education among adolescents based on a systematic review using the PRISMA methodology, in the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases, using the search terms: “bioethics” and “adolescents” or “high-school” or “middle-school” or “junior high-school.” Of the 242 identified articles, ten met the selection criteria.
Only four articles presented a clear methodology and adequate sampling, enabling reliable statistical analysis. In these, it was found that bioethics education contributed to a broader and less dogmatic view of social and scientific issues involving decision-making. Students tend to be more interested in issues related to personal circumstances. Use of a teaching plan focused on bioethics was effective in providing students with more arguments for discussion compared with their peers.