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COMPLETED

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. Currently, there is little information on attitudes and behaviours that are able to explain ethnic variations in sexual health. This lack of understanding hinders the development of effective responses to sexual health issues facing young people from BME communities.

Methods

Supported by a two-year Big Lottery research Grant, this joint research initiative between NPL and TSA identified the sexual health service and support needs of young BME people in London through both quantitative and qualitative methods. A school-based survey was completed by 3,007 young people aged 15-18, 81% of who were from BME communities. In-depth interviews with 50 BME people aged 16-23, recruited from community groups, schools and sexual health clinics, further explored issues identified in the survey.

Findings

Some of the main findings were:

• Lower level of sexual health knowledge among all BME students, particularly Asians, compared with White British students.
• Distinct differences in sexual behaviour among ethnic groups, including proportion who had sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse under age sixteen, contraceptive and condom use, experiences of unintentional pregnancy and/ or STIs.
• Males and females across ethnic groups expressed a preference to learn about sex and relationships at school, and from a sexual health professional.

The research findings are presented by ethnicity (including Black and Asian sub-groups) and religion. The data presentation is designed to be accessible to audiences who work in multi-ethnic and/ or multi-faith settings, in addition to those working with specific ethnic or religious groups such as Black Caribbeans or Hindus.

A summary of the key findings has been published and is available through TSA Publications. The evidence-base established by this study has been used to develop a DVD resource for practitioners and professionals working to improve young BME people’s sexual health. The research has also contributed to a peer-led sex and relationships education initiative to be run in several London schools.

More information:
Please contact Young People in Focus
Email: info@youngpeopleinfocus.org.uk
Tel: 01273 693311

Naz Project London
Palingswick House
241 King Street,
London W6 9LP
Tel: 020 87411879
Fax: 020 8741 9609
Web: www.naz.org.uk

November 2006