An Exploration Of Teachers' Experiences And Perspectives On Implementation Of The Share Programme

Abstract

Adolescents sexual health in United Kingdom(UK) remains a public health issue. Although teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infection rates have declined among adolescents in UK in the last six years, the rates are still highest in Europe. The effectiveness of sexual and relationship education programmes in the country has been debatable over the years. Arguments are centred on whether sexual and relationship education impact on behaviour change or not. Objective: To explore the experiences of teachers who teach sexual and relationship education in the Lothians, Scotland, the SHARE programme. Method: This was a qualitative study. Data was carried out using face to face semi structured interviews in secondary schools. Results: Teachers are instrumental in raising sexual health awareness in adolescents. However they encounter significant barriers in implementing sexual and relationship programmes. More is needed to work in collaboration with sexual health programmes to effect behaviour change.