How They Got It and How They Wanted It: Marginalised Young People’s Perspective on Their Experiences of Sexual Health Education

Abstract

Young people in Australia are at greatest risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and priority actions are necessary for this population group. This study of marginalised and at risk young people in out of school environments was conducted in Western Australia with the aim of obtaining young people’s perceptions about their experience of sexual health education and preferred means of gaining sexual health knowledge and skills. A highly participatory research methodology was implemented through a series of workshops with 88 young people recruited through community youth agencies. The results of the study support what is already known about sexual health promotion for young people and that it needs to consider a holistic approach in promoting positive relationships and sexual health. However, the findings emphasise that this should include the need for demonstrated trust, confidence and safe environments, and the complimentary role of community youth agencies and peer-based programs which may play an important role in reaching young people who may disengage with or not be reached by school-based sexual health education.