Key informant perceptions of youth-focussed sexual health promotion programs in Australia.

BACKGROUND This paper explores key informant (KI) perceptions of the barriers to effective sexual health promotion programs in Australia and suggests strategies to overcome these barriers. Three types of sexual health promotion programs were explored in this study: those targeting all young people (under 30), Aboriginal young people, and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. METHODS The study utilised a qualitative approach and involved 33 semistructured interviews with sexual health professionals involved in funding or delivering Australian sexual health promotion programs or working clinically with individuals diagnosed with sexually transmissible infections. RESULTS Fourteen barriers to effective sexual health promotion programs were identified. Barriers included: difficulties associated with program evaluation, lack of involvement of the target community, the short-term nature of programs, problems with program resources and concerns about the content of programs. Additional barriers to programs targeting Aboriginal and CALD young people were also identified and included: a lack of cultural sensitivity; a failure to acknowledge differences in literacy, knowledge, and language skills; stigma and shame associated with sexual health; and the continued use of programs that lack inclusivity. KIs suggested strategies to overcome these barriers. CONCLUSION Sexual health promotion in Australia suffers from several barriers that are likely to impede the effectiveness of programs. In particular, poor or nonexistent program evaluation and lack of community involvement are among the key areas of concern. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful in informing and shaping future Australian sexual health promotions.