scholarly journals Engaging African American Youth in the Development of a Serious Mobile Game for Sexual Health Education: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loral Patchen ◽  
Lindsey Ellis ◽  
Tony Xuyen Ma ◽  
Corilyn Ott ◽  
Katie H K Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
African American Youth ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Sexual Health Education

BACKGROUND Although teen pregnancy rates decreased dramatically in the United States over the past decade, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults increased. STI rates disproportionately affect African American youth and young adults. Innovative, accessible, and culturally relevant sexual health interventions are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the optimal modality for a game-based sexual health intervention; develop the educational, entertainment, and technological aspects of the serious game; and demonstrate its usability and acceptance by the target population. METHODS This project was grounded in formative data collection with community-based participatory research principles and practices combined with a user-centered design and development approach. Sexually Active Adolescent–Focused Education (SAAFE) was developed using input and feedback from African American youths aged 15 to 21 years who participated in a youth advisory board and focus group discussions to inform the co-design and cocreation of the serious game. The process was highly iterative with multiple sessions for user input following design changes. It proceeded in 3 stages. Social cognitive theory and problem-solving theory were leveraged to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed education through a serious game. Usability testing assessed the quality of user experience with the prototype. RESULTS Across all 3 stages, a total of 86 self-identified African American males and females aged 15 to 21 years from the District of Columbia and Birmingham, Alabama, participated. Participants requested a dating simulation game. They wanted SAAFE to be customizable, realistic, entertaining, educational, modern, and experiential, linking consequences to their gameplay decisions. Usability testing resulted in an initial System Usability Survey score of 77.7, placing the game in the 82nd percentile and above average for usability. CONCLUSIONS Initial results suggest that the SAAFE prototype is a promising intervention to engage African American youth in sexual health education using a role-playing game. If proven efficacious, the game has the potential to meet the need for sex education, counterbalance unhealthy portrayals of sex in popular media, and respond to the disparities in the STI epidemic.

scholarly journals Engaging African American Youth in the Development of a Serious Mobile Game for Sexual Health Education: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/16254 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e16254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loral Patchen ◽  
Lindsey Ellis ◽  
Tony Xuyen Ma ◽  
Corilyn Ott ◽  
Katie HK Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
African American Youth ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Sexual Health Education

Background Although teen pregnancy rates decreased dramatically in the United States over the past decade, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults increased. STI rates disproportionately affect African American youth and young adults. Innovative, accessible, and culturally relevant sexual health interventions are urgently needed. Objective This study aimed to identify the optimal modality for a game-based sexual health intervention; develop the educational, entertainment, and technological aspects of the serious game; and demonstrate its usability and acceptance by the target population. Methods This project was grounded in formative data collection with community-based participatory research principles and practices combined with a user-centered design and development approach. Sexually Active Adolescent–Focused Education (SAAFE) was developed using input and feedback from African American youths aged 15 to 21 years who participated in a youth advisory board and focus group discussions to inform the co-design and cocreation of the serious game. The process was highly iterative with multiple sessions for user input following design changes. It proceeded in 3 stages. Social cognitive theory and problem-solving theory were leveraged to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed education through a serious game. Usability testing assessed the quality of user experience with the prototype. Results Across all 3 stages, a total of 86 self-identified African American males and females aged 15 to 21 years from the District of Columbia and Birmingham, Alabama, participated. Participants requested a dating simulation game. They wanted SAAFE to be customizable, realistic, entertaining, educational, modern, and experiential, linking consequences to their gameplay decisions. Usability testing resulted in an initial System Usability Survey score of 77.7, placing the game in the 82nd percentile and above average for usability. Conclusions Initial results suggest that the SAAFE prototype is a promising intervention to engage African American youth in sexual health education using a role-playing game. If proven efficacious, the game has the potential to meet the need for sex education, counterbalance unhealthy portrayals of sex in popular media, and respond to the disparities in the STI epidemic.

scholarly journals Assessment of a Culturally-Tailored Sexual Health Education Program for African American Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Zellner Lawrence ◽  
Tabia Henry Akintobi ◽  
Assia Miller ◽  
Elaine Archie-Booker ◽  
Tarita Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Education Program ◽  
African American Youth ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Health Education Program ◽  
Culturally Tailored

scholarly journals A qualitative assessment of the sexual-health education, training and service needs of young adults in Tehran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Sheikhansari ◽  
Charles Abraham ◽  
Sarah Denford ◽  
Mehrdad Eftekhar
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Training

Abstract Background: Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHRE) provides individuals with the knowledge and skills set which helps them to manage risky behaviors and take informed decisions and to protect themselves against STIs, risky behavior and unintended pregnancy. Such education is minimally provided in Iranian schools and universities and previous research has indicated demand and need for SHRE among different social groups. This study explored Iranian young adults’ sexual health education, training and service needs and ways to improve or augment the existing provision.Design and methods: A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 25 young adults who lived in Tehran, Iran and have volunteered to participate in our study. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Participants explained their need and demand for sexual health education and healthcare. They highlighted existing barriers such as lack of reliable resources, taboo and cultural barriers and lack of trust and protected confidentiality to gaining sexual health information and seeking related advice and healthcare. This has resulted in ambiguities and misconceptions, including those regarding the cause and transmission of STIs and correct use of contraceptions.They unanimously expressed their dissatisfaction with the limitedly available sexual health education and provided recommendations for an improved provision, including holding mixed gender extracurricular workshops with a comprehensive approach to sexual health and relationships education.Conclusions: There is a clear need and demand for provision of relevant and reliable sexual health and relationships education to young adults, which needs to be addressed in order for young adults to make informed choices and limit their risky sexual behavior.

scholarly journals A qualitative assessment of the sexual-health education, training and service needs of young adults in Tehran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Sheikhansari ◽  
Charles Abraham ◽  
Sarah Denford ◽  
Mehrdad Eftekhar
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Education Training

Abstract Background: Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHRE) provides individuals with the knowledge and skills set which helps them to manage risky behaviors and take informed decisions and to protect themselves against STIs, risky behavior and unintended pregnancy. Such education is minimally provided in Iranian schools and universities and previous research has indicated demand and need for SHRE among different social groups. This study explored Iranian young adults’ sexual health education, training and service needs and ways to improve or augment the existing provision.Design and methods: A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 25 young adults who lived in Tehran, Iran and have volunteered to participate in our study. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants explained their need and demand for sexual health education and healthcare. They highlighted existing barriers such as lack of reliable resources, taboo and cultural barriers and lack of trust and protected confidentiality to gaining sexual health information and seeking related advice and healthcare. This has resulted in ambiguities and misconceptions, including those regarding the cause and transmission of STIs and correct use of contraceptions.They unanimously expressed their dissatisfaction with the limitedly available sexual health education and provided recommendations for an improved provision, including holding mixed gender extracurricular workshops with a comprehensive approach to sexual health and relationships education.Conclusions: There is a clear need and demand for provision of relevant and reliable sexual health and relationships education to young adults, which needs to be addressed in order for young adults to make informed choices and limit their risky sexual behavior.

scholarly journals THE BIRDS AND THE BEES ONLINE: UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN ONLINE SEX-ED SITES

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Nalubega Ross ◽  
Shawn Walker
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
The United States ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Over Time

The goal of this study is, looking over time and across different platforms what is the nature of the content of adolescent sexual health education provided through online websites and social networking sites (SNS). Sexuality is a critical component of adolescent development, and to aid in sexual development, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adolescents globally have access to comprehensive sexual health education because it contributes positively their future sexual and reproductive health (UNESCO, 2018). In the United States, starting in 1981 with Adolescent Family Life Act (AFLA) sexual health education has relied heavily on Abstinence-Only curricula, with the goal of teaching adolescents to reduce risky sexual behaviors, such as having unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners and young age of sexual debut by remaining sexually abstinent until marriage (Dixon-Mueller, 1993; Saul, 1998). Looking over time and across online platforms, the goal of this study is to determine; 1). How is sexual health education online structured and what topics are covered? 2). How has online sexual health education over time responded to government mandates on sexual health and sexuality in general? 3). How does the presentation of sexual health information change across the different platforms? and 4). How do online sexual health education handle topics such pleasure and desire for underrepresented groups?

scholarly journals Comfort Levels and Communication Styles of Sexual Health Educators: An Interdisciplinary Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Kathleen A. Greenan
Keyword(s):  
Public School ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Comfort Levels

Abstract This study explored sexual health education (SHE) through the lens of public school educators in the United States of America. It examined their comfort levels and the barriers educators faced by asking, “How comfortable are educators when communicating sexual health topics to adolescents for them to build a foundation to become sexually healthy adults?” The qualitative, phenomenological study included 11 public school teachers among three school districts in the State of Indiana. Conducting intimate, face-to-face interviews with participants advanced and expanded interdisciplinary research. Educators shared their beliefs and values regarding SHE instruction and levels of sexuality comfort. Three findings emerged from the data that can contribute to research in the fields of education, public policy, public health, and communication: (1) An inclusive sexual health education program can provide educators with more sexuality comfort, (2) Teacher training and instructional materials relate to an educator’s sexuality comfort level and willingness to communicate SHE, and (3) An educator’s level of sexuality comfort may likely increase if engaged in SHE decision-making policies. At the time of the study, State policies prohibited comprehensive education, although participants preferred a more inclusive approach to teaching, SHE. Additionally, the concept of sexuality comfort (1984) was reconstructed and revised. This study offered an in-depth exploration into a topic - sexual health - that affects all individuals and established a foundation for future qualitative and quantitative studies.

Gaps and Barriers to Sexual Health Education for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: OT's Role

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512515293p1-7512515293p1
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Koss ◽  
Natalie Robek ◽  
Megan Dougherty ◽  
Anna Murray ◽  
Lindy Weaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Sexual Health Education ◽  
Primary Author

Abstract Date Presented 04/8/21 This study describes the results of usability testing of activities designed to address the gaps and barriers to sexual health education (SHE) for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recommendations from stakeholders were incorporated, and the feasibility of a 5-week SHE program was evaluated. OTs can use the results of this study to address significant sexual and reproductive health disparities currently faced by individuals with IDD. Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Koss Additional Authors and Speakers: Yong-Fang Kuo, Kenneth Ottenbacher

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