Are teenagers receiving appropriate Sex and Relationships Education and sexual health services at school to lessen the risk of teenage pregnancy? Examining the attitudes of Nottingham based school nurses and secondary school teachers.

Tools

Dodds, Elizabeth (2011) Are teenagers receiving appropriate Sex and Relationships Education and sexual health services at school to lessen the risk of teenage pregnancy? Examining the attitudes of Nottingham based school nurses and secondary school teachers. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background

Nottingham City has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in England. The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was implemented in 1999. One of its aims was to improve Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) and sexual health services (SHS) in schools. However, evidence suggest that some schools do not place high priority on these topics.

Methods

A mixed qualitative and quantitative questionnaire was distributed to teaching staff and school nurses within Nottingham City secondary schools to ascertain what SRE and SHS were offered, their attitudes towards them and whether they felt they were appropriate for helping to reduce the teenage pregnancy rate. The results were descriptively analysed and compared by participant role and by school.

Results

Nineteen participants responded from seven schools. Four of the schools indicated that high quality SRE was being provided, which participants agreed was appropriate to reduce teenage pregnancies. Three schools appeared to only offer minimal SRE. Provision of SHS was varied, with few members of the teaching staff fully aware of the services provided in their school. Three schools indicated that no SHS were provided.

Conclusions

The study has highlighted inconsistencies in how SRE and SHS are implemented and prioritised in Nottingham City secondary schools. This results in a postcode lottery as to whether teenagers receive appropriate SRE and SHS. Responding teaching and staff and school nurses were unaware of what SRE or SHS are offered in their school. If Nottingham City council and the schools are serious about further reducing the teenage pregnancy rate then these inconsistencies must be addressed. School nurses must ensure

they understand what SRE is offered in their schools and become proactive in promoting the services they offer so both teaching staff and students are aware how and what services can be accessed.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 08 Aug 2011 09:26
Last Modified: 14 Oct 2017 11:18
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/24817

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