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https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/44814
Title: | Needs assessment for sexual health services development in a small European Union member state |
Authors: | Buttigieg, Sandra C. Attard Debono, Gabrielle Gauci, Dorothy |
Keywords: | Health education -- Malta Health education -- European Union countries Sexual health -- Malta Sexual health -- European Union countries Sexual health -- Study and teaching Health promotion -- Malta Health promotion -- European Union countries |
Issue Date: | 2019 |
Publisher: | Sage Publications, Inc. |
Citation: | Buttigieg, S. C., Debono, G. A., & Gauci, D. (2019). Needs assessment for sexual health services development in a small European Union member state. Health services management research, 0951484819846086. |
Abstract: | Introduction: Awareness of sexual health in Malta – a small European Union member state started to gain momentum in the new millennium. Taboos and norms about sexuality pose strong barriers for the provision of information, and reproductive health services. A major contributor is the strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church, which holds fast to its prohibitions of sexual behaviours, albeit counterbalanced by the liberal standpoint adopted by the State in recent years. Methods: Survey data were collected from 269 students aged 16–21 (response rate 89.7%) in a state post-secondary school. The sample was selected through convenience sampling within the school grounds. Results: Women were more knowledgeable in relation to available services and risks when compared to men. No geographical differences were found. School was the most common source for information, while health professionals, namely general practitioners were considered trusted resources for their needs. Confidentiality was deemed to be the most requested and crucial feature of sexual health services. Conclusions: Three important multisectoral needs emerged, namely adequate dissemination system of sexual health information, scientifically based sexual health education for professionals in contact with young people, and well-designed and accessible sexual health services. Implications for management include updating health sexual education and promotion strategies, as well as designing better services. Young people should be able to make informed choices regarding their sexual health, in line with contemporary needs. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/44814 |
Appears in Collections: | Scholarly Works - FacHScHSM |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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HSMR_Sexual Needs Assessment_2019.pdf Restricted Access | 275.9 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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