Daniel Vujcich1, Marilyn Lyford2, Chontarle Bellottie3, Dawn Bessarab4, Sandra Thompson3. 1. School of Primary, Aboriginal and Rural Health Care, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia. 2. Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia. 3. Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA, Australia. 4. Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Research suggests that young Indigenous people want carers to take a more active role in discussions about sexual health. The aim of this study was to ascertain carers' perspectives of: the importance of providing young people with information about sex and sexual health; what they want young people to know about sex and sexual health; and facilitators and barriers to discussing sex and sexual health with youth. METHODS: Thirteen focus groups and three interviews were conducted with 81 carers in four rural and urban regions of Western Australia. Data were coded using a thematic approach, analysed using inductive Framework Analysis, and interpreted using the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Model of Empowerment. RESULTS: Many participants recognised the need for talking with young people about sex, and said they drew upon resources such as books, pamphlets and television and used humour to impart lessons. However, a large proportion of participants reported difficulties in educating youth about sex. Participants noted that colonisation had disrupted traditional structures for educating young people, and that sex was a challenging topic. The forced removal of children had interfered with Indigenous family structures and deprived some participants of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills from their own parents. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasise the potential role of culture and empowerment in further improving outcomes related to relationships and sexual health. There is a need for more research into models of culturally-empowering, family-centred strategies for improving the sexual literacy of Indigenous youth.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Research suggests that young Indigenous people want carers to take a more active role in discussions about sexual health. The aim of this study was to ascertain carers' perspectives of: the importance of providing young people with information about sex and sexual health; what they want young people to know about sex and sexual health; and facilitators and barriers to discussing sex and sexual health with youth. METHODS: Thirteen focus groups and three interviews were conducted with 81 carers in four rural and urban regions of Western Australia. Data were coded using a thematic approach, analysed using inductive Framework Analysis, and interpreted using the Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Model of Empowerment. RESULTS: Many participants recognised the need for talking with young people about sex, and said they drew upon resources such as books, pamphlets and television and used humour to impart lessons. However, a large proportion of participants reported difficulties in educating youth about sex. Participants noted that colonisation had disrupted traditional structures for educating young people, and that sex was a challenging topic. The forced removal of children had interfered with Indigenous family structures and deprived some participants of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills from their own parents. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasise the potential role of culture and empowerment in further improving outcomes related to relationships and sexual health. There is a need for more research into models of culturally-empowering, family-centred strategies for improving the sexual literacy of Indigenous youth.
Authors: James A Smith; Anthony Merlino; Ben Christie; Mick Adams; Jason Bonson; Richard H Osborne; Murray Drummond; Barry Judd; David Aanundsen; Jesse Fleay; Himanshu Gupta Journal: Health Promot J Austr Date: 2020-10-19
Authors: Sophie Hickey; Yvette Roe; Caroline Harvey; Sue Kruske; Anton Clifford-Motopi; Ike Fisher; Brenna Bernardino; Sue Kildea Journal: Int J Womens Health Date: 2021-05-18