Formative mixed-method multicase study research to inform development of a safer sex and healthy relationships intervention in Further Education (FE) settings: The SaFE Project

Young, Honor ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0664-4002, Turney, Catherine, White, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8371-8453, Lewis, Ruth and Bonell, Chris 2019. Formative mixed-method multicase study research to inform development of a safer sex and healthy relationships intervention in Further Education (FE) settings: The SaFE Project. BMJ Open 9 (7) , e024692. 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024692

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (433kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives Sexual health includes pleasurable, safe, sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination and violence. In the UK, many young people’s experiences fall short of this definition. This study aimed to inform the development of a safer sex and healthy relationships intervention for those aged 16–19 years studying in further education (FE) settings. Design A formative mixed-method multicase study explored if and how to implement four components within a single intervention. Setting Six FE settings in England and Wales and one sexual health charity participated between October and July 2015. Participants Focus groups with 134 FE students and 44 FE staff, and interviews with 11 FE managers and 12 sexual health charity staff, first explored whether four candidate intervention components were acceptable and could have sustained implementation. An e-survey with 2105 students and 163 staff then examined potential uptake and acceptability of components shortlisted in the first stage. Stakeholder consultation was then used to refine the intervention. Intervention Informed by a review of evidence of effective interventions delivered in other settings, four candidate intervention components were identified which could promote safer sex and healthy relationships among those aged 16–19 years: 1) student-led sexual health action groups; 2) on-site sexual health and relationships services; 3) staff safeguarding training about sexual health and relationships and 4) sex and relationships education. Results On-site sexual health and relationships services and staff safeguarding training about sexual health and relationships were key gaps in current FE provision and welcomed by staff, students and health professionals. Sex and relationships education and student-led sexual health action groups were not considered acceptable. Conclusions The SaFE intervention, comprising on-site sexual health and relationships services and staff safeguarding training in FE settings, may have potential promoting sexual health among FE students. Further optimisation and refinement with key stakeholders is required before piloting via cluster randomised controlled trial.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Centre for Trials Research (CNTRR) Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) Medicine Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2044-6055
Funders:	MRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 June 2019
Date of Acceptance:	12 June 2019
Last Modified:	10 Jul 2024 13:34
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/123655

Citation Data

Cited 1 time in Scopus. View in Scopus. Powered By Scopus® Data

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item