Improving a Sexual Health Education Programme

📖 The Scoop

This report summarizes an evaluation of a 4-week sexual health education program in a disadvantaged, urban target school in Scotland, and the investigation of the longer term impact of a previous 10-week program involving sexual health education provided by health workers. In-depth interviews with 5 boys and 5 girls revealed that the 10-week program was still valued by the students several months later and that sexual health programs taught by people seen as credible by students had an impact on students' health behavior. The primary portion of the project focused on a revised sexual health program that used Personal and Social Education teachers and lasted 4 weeks instead of 10. Results of the study indicated that, given time, resources, and training, teachers could be empowered to deliver effective sexual health programs. Students were highly satisfied with the program, which raised their knowledge of sexual health facts and provided useful decision making skills. They indicated the program changed their perceptions that teachers should not be involved in teaching sexual health. Teachers reported gaining confidence as providers of sexual health education and identified benefits of co-teaching; health workers, however, were somewhat concerned about their lack of input in planning the program. Teachers and health workers agreed that the model had worked well and future programs could be taught just by teachers, with support from health workers. Principal findings of the study include: (1) planning is critical for collaborative sexual health programs; (2) the role of the Health Board in future sexual health programs at the school is essential; (3) Health Boards must be funded to be able to participate in these activities; (4) committed staff is crucial; and (5) the effectiveness of sexual health programs depends to a large extent on the school, its structure, and the commitment of senior school management. Data from the study are reported in the appendices. (ND)

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