We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
School practices important for students' sexual health: analysis of the school health research network survey in Wales.
- Authors
Young, Honor; Long, Sara Jayne; Hallingberg, Britt; Fletcher, Adam; Hewitt, Gillian; Murphy, Simon; Moore, Graham F.
- Abstract
Background: This study investigates how the sexual health outcomes of a representative sample of students aged 15-16 in Wales vary according to the person delivering Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in schools, students' access to on-site sexual health services and access to free condoms. Methods: Cross-sectional, self-report survey data were collected from students who participated in the 2015/16 School Health Research Network questionnaire in Wales. Data were analyzed from 59 schools, totalling 3781 students aged 15-16 (M =15.7; SD = 0.3) who responded to questions about ever having had sex; age of sexual initiation and condom use at last intercourse. School level data were also collected, examining who delivers school SRE, provision of on-site, school 'drop-in' sexual health services and provision of free condoms for students. Binary and linear multi-level analyses explored the relationship between school level predictors and sexual health outcomes. Results: Compared to teachers, other modes of SRE delivery were associated with better sexual health outcomes, including remaining sexually inactive, later age of first intercourse and condom use. Providing on-site sexual health services did not significantly reduce the odds of having ever had sex or delaying first intercourse; but was associated with increased condom use. Onsite condom provision was associated with lower condom use. Conclusions: SRE delivery by educators other than teachers is optimum to young people's sexual health outcomes. Further funding and coordination of on-site sexual health advice services are required. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the temporal sequence of sexual health practices and outcomes.
- Subjects
WALES; AGE distribution; CONDOMS; HEALTH services accessibility; INTERPERSONAL relations; LONGITUDINAL method; HEALTH outcome assessment; QUESTIONNAIRES; SCHOOL administration; SELF-evaluation; SEX education; SEXUAL intercourse; STUDENT attitudes; STUDENT health; SURVEYS; TEACHER-student relationships; CROSS-sectional method; ATTITUDES toward sex; STUDENT health services
- Publication
European Journal of Public Health, 2018, Vol 28, Issue 2, p309
- ISSN
1101-1262
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/eurpub/ckx203