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Soto-Fernández I, Fernández-Cézar R, Aguiar Frias AM, Dias H, Santiago C, Gradellini C, Aaberg V, García-López V, Gómez-Cantarino S. Sexual education for university students and the community in a european project: study protocol. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:192. [PMID: 37286976 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on stakeholders to give Higher Education a key educational importance for the future of Europe. Within the content of the training programmes at university, sexuality emerges as a relevant topic in the nursing degree, to promote integral health from a holistic perspective. However, research on the presence of sexuality at the curricular level in Higher Education suggests that it is incomplete and underdeveloped. METHODS This is a protocol for a long-term, multi-centre, exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach lasting two years. The research will be carried out in the educational community, including, on the one hand, students, and professors and health professionals of nursing programmes from five universities in different parts of the world (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the United States), and on the other hand, women, young people, and immigrants from these communities. The study will have several target populations. Firstly, the target is nursing students, with whom the aim is to define their perspective on the sexuality content taught at the university, and their level of knowledge. Secondly university professors and health professionals, with whom we will check their perspective on sexuality in the classroom, as well as their level of knowledge in this field. And finally, we will work with the community (women, young people, and immigrants) to whom we will try to bring sexuality from a useful and enjoyable perspective. In order to measure these variables in the protocol, instruments such as questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will be used. During data collection, ethical principles will be guaranteed and informed consent will be requested from the participants. DISCUSSION The results of the research will have a high curricular impact on the educational community, and will last over time, since the tools generated in the project will be included as part of nursing training programmes. In addition, participation in the project will improve health education for health professionals and at the community level on sexuality in both urban and rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Soto-Fernández
- EdSex Project, Diputación de Toledo, Residencia Social Asistida San José, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus de Toledo, Nursing, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - R Fernández-Cézar
- EdSex Project, Facultad de Educación de Toledo, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, 45071, Spain.
| | - A M Aguiar Frias
- EdSex Project, Escola Superior de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem. Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - H Dias
- EdSex Project, Escola de Saude, Politécnico de Santarém, Quinta do Mergulhão Srª da Guia, Santarém, 2005-075, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação sobre Tecnologias e Serviços da Saúde (CINTESIS), NursID - Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação da Qualidade de Vida (CIEQV), Politécnico de Santarém e Politécnico de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - C Santiago
- EdSex Project, Escola de Saude, Politécnico de Santarém, Quinta do Mergulhão Srª da Guia, Santarém, 2005-075, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação sobre Tecnologias e Serviços da Saúde (CINTESIS), NursID - Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação da Qualidade de Vida (CIEQV), Politécnico de Santarém e Politécnico de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - C Gradellini
- EdSex Project, Campus Universitario San Lazzaro, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 2-42122, Vía Amendola, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - V Aaberg
- School of Health Sciences, Seattle Pacific University, 98119, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - V García-López
- EdSex Project, Departamento de fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus de Toledo, 45071, Nursing, Toledo, Spain
| | - S Gómez-Cantarino
- EdSex Project, Departamento de fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus de Toledo, 45071, Nursing, Toledo, Spain
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Coimbra Nursing School (ESEnfC), 3004-011, Coimbra, Portugal
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How Little Do We Know about HIV and STIs Prevention? Results from a Web-Based Survey among the General Population. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061059. [PMID: 35742110 PMCID: PMC9222353 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Prevention campaigns have led to a significant decrease in new HIV diagnoses in Western Europe, while other sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have shown an opposite trend. Several educational programs are promoted among young students, whereas informational campaigns addressing the general population are scarce. We aimed to investigate the level of awareness regarding STIs among the general population. Methods: We proposed a questionnaire regarding STIs and HIV to the general population in Italy. We assigned 1 point to correct, 0.5 point to partially correct, and 0 point to wrong answers. We collected data about age, sex, region of origin, level of education and whether they were health workers. Results: Overall, 2183 people answered the questionnaire, of which 555 aged over 50 years old. Being male, older than 50 years old, retired or unemployed, not educated, and no regular use of condoms were associated with lower scores. Only 16% of participants knew the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) campaign. Overall, 2131 (97.6%) people think more educational campaigns should be offered. Of interest, 80% said the questionnaire led them to learn more about HIV and STIs. Conclusion: Our study reveals several gaps in general population awareness about HIV and STIs, especially among people aged over 50 years old. Most participants stated that the questionnaire was a learning opportunity. These data suggest that improvement of knowledge could start from easy-to-dispose medium, such as surveys and questionnaires delivered through social media. Furthermore, particular attention should be paid to population segmentation and campaign tailoring to enhance interventions effectiveness. Our data reinforce the need for more informational and educational campaigns tailored to the specific segments of the population.
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Mecugni D, Gradellini C, Caldeira E, Aaberg V, Dias H, Gómez-Cantarino S, Frias A, Barros M, Sousa L, Sim-Sim M. Sexual Competence in Higher Education: Global Perspective in a Multicentric Project in the Nursing Degree. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:166. [PMID: 33557267 PMCID: PMC7915218 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexuality is an important issue in the university careers of nursing students to ensure that they provide comprehensive care. It is necessary according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. However, research reveals deficiencies and the need for further development. The aim of the study is to describe the perspective of teachers and students on the content of sexuality in nursing education. The project aims to analyze the attitudes and beliefs of the students about the sexuality of their patients. Furthermore, the experience and sexual lives of the future nurses, as well the teaching of sexuality content in the curriculum, will be analyzed. As for the educators, their level of knowledge about sexuality and vision of sexuality education in undergraduate nursing education will be analyzed. This study is an exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative-qualitative approach in a multi-center context. The sample is composed of students and professors of nursing courses from five universities (Portugal, Spain, Italy and United States). Questionnaires and semistructured interviews will be used for data collection. The results of the study will allow the inclusion of sexual competence in the curriculum from the beginning in higher education. This article describes the research protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mecugni
- EdSex Project, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Cinzia Gradellini
- EdSex Project, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (D.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Ermelinda Caldeira
- EdSex Project, Comprehensive Health Research Centre Integrated Researcher, Nursing Department, University of Evora, 7000-811 Evora, Portugal; (E.C.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (L.S.); (M.S.-S.)
| | - Vicki Aaberg
- School of Health Sciences, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 98119, USA;
| | - Hélia Dias
- EdSex Project, Superior School of Health, Quinta do Mergulhão Srª da Guia, 2005-075 Santarém, Portugal;
| | - Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino
- EdSex Project, Campus de Toledo, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Ana Frias
- EdSex Project, Comprehensive Health Research Centre Integrated Researcher, Nursing Department, University of Evora, 7000-811 Evora, Portugal; (E.C.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (L.S.); (M.S.-S.)
| | - Maria Barros
- EdSex Project, Comprehensive Health Research Centre Integrated Researcher, Nursing Department, University of Evora, 7000-811 Evora, Portugal; (E.C.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (L.S.); (M.S.-S.)
| | - Luis Sousa
- EdSex Project, Comprehensive Health Research Centre Integrated Researcher, Nursing Department, University of Evora, 7000-811 Evora, Portugal; (E.C.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (L.S.); (M.S.-S.)
| | - Margarida Sim-Sim
- EdSex Project, Comprehensive Health Research Centre Integrated Researcher, Nursing Department, University of Evora, 7000-811 Evora, Portugal; (E.C.); (A.F.); (M.B.); (L.S.); (M.S.-S.)
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Cegolon L, Bortolotto M, Bellizzi S, Cegolon A, Mastrangelo G, Xodo C. Birth control knowledge among freshmen of four Italian universities. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16466. [PMID: 33020531 PMCID: PMC7536290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since sexual health education (SHE) is not mandatory in Italian schools, we conducted a survey on freshmen of four Italian university campuses in 2012 to investigate the respective level of sexual health knowledge (SHK) in relation to birth control, with the aim to inform public health policy makers. A convenience strategy was employed to sample 4,552 freshmen registered with various undergraduate courses at four Italian universities: Padua university (Veneto Region); university of Milan (Lombardy Region); university of Bergamo (Lombardy Region); university of Palermo (Sicily Region). We investigated the level of SHK on birth control using 6 proxy indicators: (1) the average length of a woman’s period [outcome with 3 levels: wrong (base) vs. acceptable vs. correct]; (2) the most fertile interval within a woman’s period (binary outcome: correct vs. wrong answer); (3) the event between the end of a period and the beginning of the next cycle (binary outcome: correct vs. wrong answer); (4) the average survival of spermatozoa in the womb (binary outcome: correct vs. wrong answer); (5) the concept of contraception (binary outcome: correct vs. wrong answer); (6) the efficacy of various contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies (linear score: 0–17). We fitted 6 separate models of multiple regression: multinomial for outcome 1; logistic for outcomes 2, 3, 4, 6; linear for outcome 6. Statistical estimates were adjusted for a number of socio-demographic factors. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) for the 4 multiple logistic regression models, linear coefficients (RC) for the linear regression model and relative risk ratio (RRR) for the multinomial logistic regression model. The level of significance of each risk estimate was set at 0.05. The level of SHK of freshmen sampled was rather low, as 60% interviewees did not know the average length of a woman’s period, the average survival of spermatozoa in the womb and the concept of contraception, whilst the most fertile interval within a woman’s period was known only to 55% of interviewees. The mean score of SHK on the efficacy of various contraceptive methods was only 5 (scale 0–17). Some categories of students were consistently and significantly less knowledgeable on birth control at multivariable analysis: males; students from the university of Palermo; those with vocational secondary school education and those not in a romantic relationship at the time the survey was conducted. The results of this survey clearly call for the introduction of SHE programs in Italian schools, as already done in several European countries. School SHE should start as early as possible, ideally even before secondary school. SHE should be holistic and delivered with a multiple agency coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, University and Scientific Research (MIUR), families, schools, public health departments, primary health care providers, pharmacists, media, other.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cegolon
- Public Health Department, Local Health Unit N.2 "Marca Trevigiana", Treviso, Italy.
| | - M Bortolotto
- FISPPA Department, Padua University, Padua, Italy
| | - S Bellizzi
- Medical Epidemiologist, Independent Consultant, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Cegolon
- Department of Political Sciences, Communication and International Relations, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - G Mastrangelo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua University, Padua, Italy
| | - C Xodo
- FISPPA Department, Padua University, Padua, Italy
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Menstrual Knowledge and Taboo TV Commercials: Effects on Self-Objectification among Italian and Swedish Women. SEX ROLES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-017-0825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Varga-Tóth A, Paulik E. Role of gynecologists in reproductive education of adolescent girls in Hungary. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2014; 41:747-54. [PMID: 25491231 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to assess whether the socioeconomic characteristics of adolescent girls, their knowledge about cervical cancer screening, and their sexual activity are associated with whether or not they have already visited a gynecologist. MATERIAL AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire-based study was performed among secondary school girls (n = 589) who participated in professional education provided by a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, sexual activity, knowledge on contraceptive methods, cervical screening and sources of their knowledge. Simple descriptive statistics, χ(2) and one-way-anova tests, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation were applied. All statistical analyses were carried out using spss 17.0 for Windows. RESULTS A total of 50.3% of adolescent girls had already had a sexual contact. Half of the sexually active participants had already visited a gynecologist, and most of them did so due to some kind of complaint. The overall knowledge about cervical screening was quite low; higher knowledge was found among those having visited a gynecologist. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent girls' knowledge on cervical screening was improved by previous visits to a gynecologist. The participation of an expert--a gynecologist--in a comprehensive sexual education program of teenage girls is of high importance in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Varga-Tóth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Kånåhols AF, Magnusson H, Alehagen S. Swedish adolescents' experiences of educational sessions at Youth Clinics. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2011; 2:119-23. [PMID: 21742291 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Planning sex and relationship health education suitable for adolescents is a pedagogical challenge. OBJECTIVE To describe how secondary school pupils in Sweden experience health educational sessions at Youth Clinics. METHODS Data were collected from six focus groups within 2 weeks of an educational session. The groups consisted of pupils aged 14-16 years from three cities. The participants were 29 adolescents divided into groups of girls (n=15) and boys (n=14) and the interviews were audio taped. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS Five categories were identified: Impact of the educational session, The desirable educator, Didactic setup, Gender inequalities and Suitable age for the educational session. The adolescents were satisfied with the content of the education and the session was evaluated as a complement to school education. The educators were seen as competent with an ability to create a comfortable atmosphere which made it easier for participants to discuss the subject and ask questions. The session was experienced as secure which was appropriate for the intimate and personal subject and gender aspects were seen as influencing the conversation. CONCLUSION This study can give an understanding of the needs and demands of adolescents which can be useful when planning and conducting sex and relationship health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Frida Kånåhols
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Värnamo Hospital, S-331 85 Värnamo, Sweden.
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Lazarus JV, Sihvonen-Riemenschneider H, Laukamm-Josten U, Wong F, Liljestrand J. Systematic review of interventions to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, among young people in Europe. Croat Med J 2010; 51:74-84. [PMID: 20162748 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2010.51.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the effectiveness of interventions seeking to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among young people in the European Union. METHODS For this systematic review, we examined interventions that aimed at STI risk reduction and health promotion conducted in schools, clinics, and in the community for reported effectiveness (in changing sexual behavior and/or knowledge) between 1995 and 2005. We also reviewed study design and intervention methodology to discover how these factors affected the results, and we compiled a list of characteristics associated with successful and unsuccessful programs. Studies were eligible if they employed a randomized control design or intervention-only design that examined change over time and measured behavioral, biologic, or certain psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS Of the 19 studies that satisfied our review criteria, 11 reported improvements in the sexual health knowledge and/or attitudes of young people. Ten of the 19 studies aimed to change sexual risk behavior and 3 studies reported a significant reduction in a specific aspect of sexual risk behavior. Two of the interventions that led to behavioral change were peer-led and the other was teacher-led. Only 1 of the 8 randomized controlled trials reported any statistically significant change in sexual behavior, and then only for young females. CONCLUSION The young people studied were more accepting of peer-led than teacher-led interventions. Peer-led interventions were also more successful in improving sexual knowledge, though there was no clear difference in their effectiveness in changing behavior. The improvement in sexual health knowledge does not necessarily lead to behavioral change. While knowledge may help improve health-seeking behavior, additional interventions are needed to reduce STIs among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Copenhagen School of Global Health, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Golbasi Z, Taskin L. Evaluation of school-based reproductive health education program for adolescent girls. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2009; 21:395-404. [PMID: 20014642 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2009.21.3.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of school-based reproductive health education for adolescent girls on the reproductive knowledge level of the girls. METHODS This research was carried out as a quasi-experimental study at two vocational girls high schools, one of which was used as the study school and the other as the control school. The study group (97 students) consisted of three classes representing every grade. The control group consisted of students selected likewise (92 students). Reproductive health education was given to students in the study group for 10 weeks; the control group was not subjected to any educational program. The impact of the program was evaluated with reproductive health knowledge test designed for this study. A pretest evaluated baseline knowledge, and a posttest measured the gain in knowledge. RESULTS Baseline knowledge score of students in study and control group were similar and low (p > 0.05). We found that the reproductive health knowledge level of students in the study group increased significantly after the program of education. Post-test knowledge scores (75.03 +/- 13.82) of the students in the study group were higher than those of the control group (36.65 +/- 14.17). CONCLUSIONS The results showed students' low baseline knowledge and a good ability to learn. A school-based reproductive health education is needed to promote knowledge and prevention in reproductive health among teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Golbasi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
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Inandi T, Tosun A, Guraksin A. Reproductive health: knowledge and opinions of university students in Erzurum, Turkey. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/ejc.8.4.177.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Black C, McGough P, Bigrigg A, Thow C. What do clients of a young people's sexual health service recall about their sex education programme at school? EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2009; 10:235-43. [PMID: 16448950 DOI: 10.1080/13625180500256829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess young people's recall of school-based sexual health education. METHODS Clients attending The Place, an open-access sexual health service for young people, were asked to recall whether they had received teaching on key areas of sex education outlined in the Scottish Executive's draft Sexual Health and Relationship Strategy and Greater Glasgow NHS Board's guidelines for sex education in schools.Their responses were analyzed by age, sex, and type of school attended. RESULTS Although most could remember receiving some teaching about risks of sexual activity, there was little recall of teaching in positive areas of sexual health, such as having good relationships, rights and responsibilities, and being good parents. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to establish why recall of taught sex education is low in this group of clients, and how to improve retention of important sexual education information.
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Avery L, Lazdane G. What do we know about sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Europe? EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2008; 13:58-70. [PMID: 17886157 DOI: 10.1080/13625180701617621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acceptance of sexual and reproductive health as fundamental to the sustainable development of societies has allowed for creation of new reproductive health programmes and policies. WHO sexual and reproductive health (SRH) strategies were developed in the WHO Regional Office for Europe (2001), as well as globally (2004). Adolescent SRH is important in both strategies. Despite these commitments, adolescents remain vulnerable to poor reproductive health. The goal of this paper is to analyse the current status of SRH of adolescents in Europe. METHODS Key reproductive health indicators were chosen. Information was obtained from published studies, databases and questionnaires sent to WHO reproductive health counterparts within the health ministries in the Member States of the WHO European Region. RESULTS Pregnancy rate, age at first sexual intercourse, contraceptive use at first and last intercourse, contraceptive prevalence, HIV knowledge, and STI rates vary widely according to the population considered. Gender difference and lack of information pertaining to SRH of all adolescent populations are other key findings. CONCLUSIONS While the SRH of most European adolescents is good, they remain a vulnerable population. Lack of standardized reproductive indicators and age specific aggregate data make it difficult to accurately assess the situation in individual countries or perform cross country comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Avery
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Mba CI, Obi SN, Ozumba BC. The impact of health education on reproductive health knowledge among adolescents in a rural Nigerian community. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2007; 27:513-7. [PMID: 17701804 DOI: 10.1080/01443610701478991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This intervention study was to evaluate the impact of reproductive health education on the knowledge and attitude of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community to reproductive health issues. It compared adolescents in a secondary school (study group), which received health education on reproductive health with another secondary school (control group), which did not receive any. The impact of the programme was evaluated with a pre-test baseline knowledge and post-test gain in the knowledge 6 weeks later, using the same questionnaire. A total of 180 students selected by systematic sampling from each of the two randomly selected schools in Item, a rural community in south-east Nigeria participated in the programme. While all the respondents have heard of reproductive health and could identify at least one of its components, their knowledge of it prior to the health education were defective and were obtained mainly from peers and the mass media. Such information was incomplete and often coloured with cultural and religious bias. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) gain in correct knowledge following the health education. The students in the study group showed a positive and permissive attitude towards reproductive health education and there was a drop in risky sexual behaviour following the intervention. Pre-marital sex (94.3%), pregnancy prevention and abortion (88.5%) and sexually transmitted infections (82.8%) were common reproductive health problems raised by the students. Reproductive health education as part of the school curriculum will provide an effective means of improving knowledge and reducing reproductive health problems among adolescents in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Mba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria
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