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11 – 20 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

John P. Elia and Jessica Tokunaga

The purpose of this paper is to examine how school-based sexuality education has had a long and troubled history of exclusionary pedagogical practices that have negatively…

4645

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how school-based sexuality education has had a long and troubled history of exclusionary pedagogical practices that have negatively affected such populations as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) individuals, people of color, and the disabled. The social ecological model is introduced as a way of offering sexuality educators and school administrators a way of thinking more broadly about how to achieve sexual health through sexuality education efforts inside and outside of the school environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses critical analysis of current and historical school-based sexuality education methods and curricula used in the USA. Authors use both academic journals and their own expertise/experience teaching sexuality education in the USA to analyze and critique the sources of sexuality education information and curricula used in schools.

Findings

Historically, sexuality education in school settings in the USA has been biased and has generally not offered an educational experience fostering sexual health for all students. There are now welcome signs of reform and movement toward a more inclusive and progressive approach, but there is still some way to go. Sexuality education programs in schools need to be further and fundamentally reformed to do more to foster sexual health particularly for LGBTQ individuals, students of color, and people with disabilities.

Practical implications

This paper offers sexuality educators ways of addressing structural issues within the sexuality education curriculum to better serve all students to increase the quality of their sexual health. Integrating critical pedagogy and anti-oppressive education can increase students’ sexual health along physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper provides historical analysis along with the identification of structural difficulties in the sexuality education curriculum and proposes both critical pedagogy and anti-oppressive education as ways of addressing sex and relationships education.

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Pia Suvivuo, Kerttu Tossavainen and Osmo Kontula

The purpose of this paper is to study in detail what kind of role alcohol has among a selected group of sexually active teenage girls, with special emphasis on their locus of…

1298

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study in detail what kind of role alcohol has among a selected group of sexually active teenage girls, with special emphasis on their locus of control and risky sexual behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The data comprise the narratives of 87 girls regarding their experience with sexually motivating situations that involved alcohol. The narratives were analysed with a categorical‐content mode of reading.

Findings

Narratives belonging to the category ”Everything under control” involved self‐directed girls with strong self‐control who remained in control of the sexually motivated situation despite their drunkenness. “Let it go” narratives were characterised by outwardly directed girls with weak self‐control, irrespective of alcohol use. The effect of alcohol was most noticeable in “I both wanted and didn't want” narratives by girls who had shaky and situation‐dependent self‐control. Their ability to control a sexually motivated situation was unstable and considerably affected by alcohol use.

Practical implications

Alcohol use should be taken into account in sex education and vice versa. Sexual issues should be brought up in education concerning substance use. Young girls should be taught to recognise their own feelings and to consider beforehand what they want from their dating relationships. Role playing can be a useful tool in learning how to better handle sexually motivated situations. A feeling of regret can be utilised in health education both in providing knowledge and as a motivation for behavioural reform.

Originality/value

This study provides sophisticated information for comprehension of the conflicting results of earlier surveys, and it suggests that the association between alcohol use and sexual behaviour is affected by the type of self‐control tendency that girls possess.

Details

Health Education, vol. 108 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Flore Deboscker, Mathieu Nacher, Antoine Adenis, Florence Huber, Aude Lucarelli, Laura Asensio, Marie Daniel, Vanessa Schiemsky and Timothee Bonifay

Incarcerated women are a vulnerable population in terms of sexual and reproductive health. In French Guiana, most incarcerated women come from unsafe environments and are…

Abstract

Purpose

Incarcerated women are a vulnerable population in terms of sexual and reproductive health. In French Guiana, most incarcerated women come from unsafe environments and are incarcerated because of drug trafficking. Medical follow-up processes used in prison (medical assessment on arrival, and then two half-days per week upon request but without an obstetrician-gynecologist) does not allow for a thorough assessment of the impact of incarceration on women prisoners’ health to take place. In the absence of data, the purpose of this study was to describe incarcerated women’s experiences in relation to sexual and reproductive health.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted among French-speaking adult women who had been incarcerated for at least four months in a French Guianan prison. Menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections and sexuality were described by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

A total of 14 women were interviewed. They suffered from menstrual cycle disorders, poor hygiene and menstrual insecurity. They appeared to have emotionally disinvested sexuality. However, intra-prison sexual activity existed for some (masturbation, conjugal prison visits, homosexual intercourse between fellow prisoners). Homosexual relations were a source of discrimination. Being pregnant while incarcerated was viewed negatively. A lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and high-risk behaviors such as piercing and tattooing practices were widespread.

Originality/value

Incarceration is a vulnerable time for women’s sexual and reproductive health. Sexual activity exposes women to risks and discrimination that should be taken into account in a multidisciplinary approach adapted to the prison environment.

Details

International Journal of Prisoner Health, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-9200

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Daniel Wight

The goal of empowerment is widely aspired to in health promotion. In practice, however, there are several limitations to this approach when applied to school‐based sex education…

1505

Abstract

The goal of empowerment is widely aspired to in health promotion. In practice, however, there are several limitations to this approach when applied to school‐based sex education. It is frequently difficult for pupils to express their perceived needs, there are strong arguments for not leaving the sex education agenda entirely to young people, and several barriers exist which constrain pupils from actively participating in sex education exercises. The practical difficulties in implementing empowerment principles suggest that compromises should be made, recognising that participation in decision making has to be consistent with age and capabilities, that social factors inhibit pupils from negotiating their learning needs and that considerable research findings on young people’s sexual health needs already exist.

Details

Health Education, vol. 99 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

Cathy Dunne and Maggie Somerset

This qualitative research was designed to investigate students' health needs and their views on health promotion in a University. A total of 31 students participated in focus…

7749

Abstract

This qualitative research was designed to investigate students' health needs and their views on health promotion in a University. A total of 31 students participated in focus group discussions. Inductive analysis revealed two central themes: student health concerns and health promotion in a University setting. The former included issues associated with adjustment to life at University, health‐related lifestyle behaviours and provision of support services. The key areas highlighted for health promotion were alcohol and drug use, healthy eating and mental health. Participants' views on health promotion centred on the use of campaigns, which were felt to be a proactive and suitable means of targeting students with health messages; however, numerous recommendations to improve their efficacy emerged. Additional interventions to complement rather than replace campaigns were considered appropriate. By identifying the health concerns of students, this research has highlighted the areas on which future health promotion activity should focus and has suggested methods by which it could be delivered.

Details

Health Education, vol. 104 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Ian Ruthven

Abstract

Details

Dealing With Change Through Information Sculpting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-047-7

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2014

Janan J. Dietrich, Jenny Coetzee, Kennedy Otwombe, Sanele Mdanda, Busisiwe Nkala, Matamela Makongoza, Celokhuhle Tshabalala, Stefanie Hornschuh, Christine N. Soon, Angela Kaida, Robert Hogg, Glenda E. Gray and Cari L. Miller

– The purpose of this paper is to measure prevalence and predictors of mobile phone access and use among adolescents in Soweto, South Africa.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure prevalence and predictors of mobile phone access and use among adolescents in Soweto, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was an interviewer-administered, cross-sectional survey among adolescents 14-19 years living in a hyper-endemic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) setting in South Africa.

Findings

Of 830 participants; 57 per cent were female. The median age was 18 years (IQR: 17-18). Mobile phone access was high (91 per cent). Almost half of participants (42 per cent) spent more than five hours daily using their mobile phones. Two-thirds (62 per cent) had access to the internet, most (84 per cent) accessed the internet via their mobile phones. Mobile phone access was more likely amongst Sotho language speakers (aOR: 2.87, 95 per cent CI: 1.30-6.36), those living in formal housing (aOR: 3.55, 95 per cent CI: 1.97-6.42) and those who reported heterosexual orientation (aOR: 2.37, CI: 1.35-4.16).

Originality/value

This study substantially contributes to the literature about mobile phones usage and patterns among school-going adolescents in Soweto, South Africa.

Details

Health Education, vol. 114 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2013

Robin Mackenzie and John Watts

The purpose of this paper is to clarify: the law on capacity to consent to sex; ethical and legal factors in assessing decision‐making capacity of those on the autism (ASD) and…

1223

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify: the law on capacity to consent to sex; ethical and legal factors in assessing decision‐making capacity of those on the autism (ASD) and neurodiverse (ND) spectrums; and the legal obligations to promote sexual health devolving to local authorities from April 2013. We make proposals to ensure socio‐sexual competence by providing appropriate sex and relationship education (SRE).

Design/methodology/approach

Critical legal analysis of case law and legislation on the capacity of the vulnerable to consent to sex, in the context of those diagnosed on the autism and neurodiverse spectrums.

Findings

Consent to sex cannot be regarded as informed, autonomous, valid and lawful without socio‐sexual competence. Sex and relationships education should be provided to ensure socio‐sexual competence, in keeping with international conventions and national laws and policies.

Research limitations/implications

There is an urgent need for research into the needs and experiences of people with ASD/ND and their families/carers with regard to the efficacy and tailoring of SRE strategies. This research should feed into SRE family intervention programmes (SREFIPs), developed in partnership with people with ASD/ND, their families/carers and professionals.

Originality/value

This article seeks to resolve many of the existing legal uncertainties surrounding the capacity to consent to sex and to propose novel solutions to ensure the socio‐sexual competence of those diagnosed on the ASD or ND spectrums in relation to their rights to sexual expression.

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

Venka Simovska and Ros Kane

Sexuality education is a controversial and contested issue that has evoked wide debate on the question of its aims, contents, methods, pedagogy and desired outcomes. This…

2193

Abstract

Purpose

Sexuality education is a controversial and contested issue that has evoked wide debate on the question of its aims, contents, methods, pedagogy and desired outcomes. This editorial aims to provide a brief commentary, positioning the contributions to this Special Issue of Health Education within the research landscape concerning sexuality education in schools internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

The idea for this Special Issue was born in Odense, Denmark, in October 2012, during the 4th European Conference of Health Promoting Schools. The Conference Programme and the debates during the sessions demonstrated the need for a wider discussion of sexuality education, particularly within the framework of the health-promoting school. There was recognition of the need to endorse positive and wide socio-ecological views of health, including sexual health and a critical educational approach to sexuality education. The conference delegates and the members of the Schools for Health in Europe Research Network were invited to submit a paper for the Special Issue, and the invitation was also sent through other networks and research communities globally. The invitation resulted in papers being submitted beyond Europe and the Special Issue took an interesting global turn. This networking process also resulted in the identification of a number of key international subject-specific experts who took on the role of independent reviewers.

Findings

Following the review and editorial process six papers were accepted for the Special Issue. The papers highlight contrasts, tensions, potentials and barriers embedded in the ways sexuality education is delivered to children and young people internationally. Examples are drawn from Russia, Wales, China and the USA; they identify historical and structural issues related to the implementation of comprehensive progressive approaches. Topics discussed include the importance of appropriate content, theoretical/conceptual frameworks, modes of delivery, timing, attitudes from key stakeholders and the need for comprehensive evaluation of innovative approaches to the delivery of sexual education.

Originality/value

The Special Issue provides a unique blend of evaluations of practical examples of pioneering programmes, research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed method designs, and critical conceptual discussions related to sexuality education and factors that influence it. The Special Issue addresses sexuality education from a life course perspective; some of the individual papers focus on young children and some on lifelong learning. All the papers point to the importance of understanding structural, socio-historical, political and cultural factors influencing sexuality education.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Hannah Dale, Bronagh Raftery and Heather Locke

The purpose of this paper is to examine a national sexual health and relationships education (SHARE) educational package for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) utilised in order…

1033

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a national sexual health and relationships education (SHARE) educational package for behaviour change techniques (BCTs) utilised in order to make recommendations for further improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Using BCTs taxonomy (BCT V1), two coders independently examined the 22 session plans within SHARE for their utilisation of BCTs. All three authors then examined the results, and agreed on any discrepancies.

Findings

The SHARE package utilises only a small range of BCTs detailed in BCT V1. SHARE makes use of a range of techniques which may impact on the distal factors that influence sexual risk taking, such as self-esteem and building confidence to say “no” to sex.

Practical implications

SHARE – and perhaps other sexual health education programmes – may need to draw on more BCTs, particularly those supported by evidence, in order to effectively reduce risky sexual behaviours among young people. Programmes may also benefit from including broader elements around pleasure, self-examination and screening behaviour.

Originality/value

Sexual health packages rarely encounter such scrutiny, particularly being examined in relation to the BCTs. The new and rigorous way of rating the SHARE package has enabled a range of recommendations relating to BCTs to be made both for improving the package and other sexual health education programmes.

Details

Health Education, vol. 114 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 4000