Key informant perceptions of youth-focussed sexual health promotion programs in Australia
Danielle Newton A , Louise Keogh A , Meredith Temple-Smith B , Christopher K. Fairley C , Marcus Chen C , Christine Bayly D , Henrietta Williams C , Kathleen McNamee E , Dorothy Henning F , Arthur Hsueh G , Jane Fisher A and Jane Hocking A HA Centre of Women’s Health, Gender, and Society, Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3103, Australia.
B Primary Care Research Unit, Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
C Sexual Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia.
D The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia.
E Family Planning Victoria, Melbourne, Vic. 3128, Australia.
F Young People’s Health Service, Centre for Adolescent Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia.
G Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics, Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
H Corresponding author. Email: j.hocking@unimelb.edu.au
Sexual Health 10(1) 47-56 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH12046
Submitted: 3 April 2012 Accepted: 10 August 2012 Published: 19 November 2012
Abstract
Background: This paper explores key informant (KI) perceptions of the barriers to effective sexual health promotion programs in Australia and suggests strategies to overcome these barriers. Three types of sexual health promotion programs were explored in this study: those targeting all young people (under 30), Aboriginal young people, and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Methods: The study utilised a qualitative approach and involved 33 semistructured interviews with sexual health professionals involved in funding or delivering Australian sexual health promotion programs or working clinically with individuals diagnosed with sexually transmissible infections. Results: Fourteen barriers to effective sexual health promotion programs were identified. Barriers included: difficulties associated with program evaluation, lack of involvement of the target community, the short-term nature of programs, problems with program resources and concerns about the content of programs. Additional barriers to programs targeting Aboriginal and CALD young people were also identified and included: a lack of cultural sensitivity; a failure to acknowledge differences in literacy, knowledge, and language skills; stigma and shame associated with sexual health; and the continued use of programs that lack inclusivity. KIs suggested strategies to overcome these barriers. Conclusion: Sexual health promotion in Australia suffers from several barriers that are likely to impede the effectiveness of programs. In particular, poor or nonexistent program evaluation and lack of community involvement are among the key areas of concern. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful in informing and shaping future Australian sexual health promotions.
Additional keywords: Aboriginal, barriers, chlamydia, cultural diversity, young people.
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