Isolated voices: perspectives of teachers, school nurses, and administrators regarding implementation of sexual health education policy
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Authors
Dickson, Elizabeth
Parshall, Mark
Brindis, Claire D.
Issue Date
2019-12-08
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Sexual Health Education , Adolescent Health , Secondary School , Policy Implementation , Social Ecological Model
Alternative Title
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Comprehensive sexual health education (SHE) reduces risky sexual behavior and increases protective behavior in adolescents. It is important to understand how professionals responsible for implementing SHE policy interpret state and local policy and what influences their commitment to formal SHE policy implementation.
METHODS:
This descriptive study explored content and delivery of SHE policy in a rural, southwestern state with high levels of poverty, unintended adolescent pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. The social ecological model (SEM) was used to better understand levels of influence on the implementation of SHE policy.
RESULTS:
We conducted telephone surveys with 38 teachers, 63 nurses, and 21 administrators in public secondary schools. There was substantial local variability in the scope and content of SHE curricula. Respondents identified significant barriers to the delivery of SHE content and minimal evaluation of whether educational objectives were met. Based on participant responses, community and organizational SEM levels had the greatest influence on SHE policy implementation, although examples of all SEM levels were identified.
CONCLUSIONS:
Given perceived challenges regarding subject matter, successful SHE implementation at the local level requires committed stakeholders working in concert at the school and community levels, backed by strong policy commitment at the state level.
Description
Citation
Dickson, E., Parshall, M., & Brindis, C. D. (2020). Isolated Voices: Perspectives of Teachers, School Nurses, and Administrators Regarding Implementation of Sexual Health Education Policy. The Journal of school health, 90(2), 88–98. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12853
Publisher
The Journal of School Health