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Sexual Health of Young People from Black & Minority Ethnic Groups
Background
Naz Project London (NPL) is a leading sexual health and HIV service provider among Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) communities, including those originating from South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Horn of Africa. In order to improve sexual health among young BME people, accurate and current information is essential. Existing sexual health data, including sexual behaviour surveys and routine surveillance on contraception, conception or sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, is insufficient in terms of ethnicity-specific information. Definitions of ethnicity are limited to groupings that do not account for religious, linguistic and other cultural characteristics of diversity. As a result, a lack of understanding of young people from BME communities hinders the development of effective responses to sexual health issues.
Recognising these significant issues and gaps in knowledge, the Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA) will conduct research to be used in targeting health intervention strategies to BME youth. The specific focus on young people from BME communities reflects their higher sexual health vulnerability, while recognising evidence-based action as a social and health priority.
Objectives
Supported by a two-year Community Fund Research Grant, this joint research initiative between NPL and the TSA aims to identify the sexual health service and support needs of young BME people aged 15-18. The majority of participants will be recruited from London secondary schools with a large proportion of BME students, that have been contacted through NPL's existing outreach work. The study design comprises both quantitative and qualitative components. Approximately 3,000 self-completion questionnaires and 100 in-depth interviews will be carried out to accomplish the following objectives:
- To identify and explore sexual beliefs, attitudes, lifestyles and behaviours among BME youth
- To develop a sexual health educational resource for practitioners working with BME youth
- To disseminate the research findings and resource throughout the UK
In addition to meeting the immediate needs of NPL, the research findings and educational resource will enable a wider audience of practitioners and other professionals to develop evidence-based responses to narrow the gap in mainstream sexual health service provision experienced by BME youth.
The questionnaire was pre-tested among young BME people in February. Piloting is currently underway with data collection starting in April 2004. Reporting, resource development and dissemination activities are planned for the last quarter of 2005.
Contacts
For more information contact Adrienne Testa, Research Officer for the project, on 01273 647 326 or atesta@tsa.uk.com. Dr. Lester Coleman is the Project Manager.
Trust for the Study of Adolescence, 23 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1WZ
Tel: 01273 693 311Fax: 01273 679 907 Web: www.tsa.uk.com
Naz Project London, Palingswick House, 241 King St, London, W6 9LP
Tel: 020 8741 1879Fax: 020 8741 9609 Web: www.naz.org.uk