Sexual and reproductive health in schools in Fiji: a qualitative study of teachers' perceptions

Abstract

Purpose

Teachers are a key to success for school-based sex health education programmes; however, they may not be able to consistently implement it due to a myriad of reasons. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of teachers regarding the delivery of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in secondary schools in Fiji.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study design was used to collect the data from SRH education teachers in Suva, Fiji between July and August 2018. This study included teachers who taught sex education for at least two years. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were run using a semi-structure questionnaire among groups stratified by gender. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Findings

The study findings reveal that implementation of SRH education is vague, not mandatory and not comprehensive. Teachers acknowledged that SRH was not adequately covered in homes and underscored its importance for young people. Teachers viewed schools as ideal place for delivering sex education, however, could not consistently implement due to a lack of adequate information and skills, feared negative parental reaction, felt uncomfortable delivering sensitive topics and in most cases felt apprehensive to discuss sexuality issues in light of lack of training and resources.

Originality/value

To improve SRH education delivery, there need to be a focus on strengthening capacity building of teachers through pre-service and in-service health education, improved monitoring, evaluation and context–specific resource development and allocation.

Citation

Ram, S. and Mohammadenzhad, M. (2020), "Sexual and reproductive health in schools in Fiji: a qualitative study of teachers' perceptions", Health Education, Vol. 120 No. 1, pp. 57-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-02-2019-0005