School nurses' perceptions about delivering sex education to secondary school students

Abstract

The problem of increasing STis and pregnancies amongst adolescents is global (Robinson and Rogstad, 2002). Hence, several organisations (WHO, 1999; SIECUS, 2004) have encouraged the implementation of structured sex education programs targeted at this age woup. However, this is still absent in Malta (Vella, 2008) despite an estimated '13,000 Maltese infected with sexual diseases every year' (Malta Independent, 2008). Meanwhile, the role of the school nurse in adolescent health is continuously developing (Kool et al., 2008; Taras, Wright, Brennan, Campana, and Lofgren, 2004). This study aims to explore the perspectives of school nurses regarding the delivery of sex education and the methods used, and their own role in sex education to secondary school students. Data were collected for this qualitative study through semi structured interviews of approximately 20 minutes, among school nurses (n=9) of the Primary Health Department, with a response rate of 100%. Thematic analysis of field data showed that the school nurses, despite being unaware of current sex education in secondary schools, had many views as to its delivery and methods. They also agreed that although having no current role in this sector of adolescent health, it would be of significance, with appropriate training and collaboration with other school staff. Recommendations for further research include the role of the school nurse in the overall health of adolescents, the issue of parents' wishes regarding their children's sex education, and how established programs abroad can be adapted in Malta. There were also several recommendations for practice of which the most significant is enhancement of the role of the school nurse in Malta, related training, and employment of more school nursing staff. Others include the proper training of educators, collaboration between different professions and the use of appropriate methods and environment in the implementation of a structured program of sex education. These recommendations can be generalised to many aspects of adolescent health along with sexual health.