Title of Research
Sexual Health Education & Effective Promotion Strategies within the LGBTQ+ Community
Start Date
17-8-2018 9:30 AM
Abstract
Background: Given the high risk and vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals to experience a lack of education and effective health promotion with regard to sexual health, there is a lack of literature review on health promotion programs targeting these individuals combined with the consideration for the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ populations.
Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to explore the barriers to sexual health education for LGBTQ+ individuals and to identify the most effective strategies for sexual promotion within the LGBTQ+ population by evaluation of current published research.
Methods: An integrative literature review was utilized to evaluate peer-reviewed articles published from 2007 to 2017 from three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and SpringerLink). The search terms included sexual health, sexual education, sexual health promotion, reproductive health, barriers, obstacles, strategies, interventions, LGBTQ, LGBT, queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This process yielded 18 articles.
Results: Seven barriers were identified: 1) non-disclosure, 2) stigma, 3) discrimination, 4) heteronormativity, 5) lack of reliable information, 6) poverty, and 7) invisibility. Health promotion strategies identified as effective included online formats, small group formats, and LGBTQ+ specific training for health care professionals.
Conclusion: This review found seven barriers which contribute to a lack of sexual health education within the LGBTQ+ community. Three health promotion strategies are geared toward reaching this population effectively.
Keywords: LGBTQ+, sexual health promotion, sex education, barriers
Included in
Sexual Health Education & Effective Promotion Strategies within the LGBTQ+ Community
Background: Given the high risk and vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals to experience a lack of education and effective health promotion with regard to sexual health, there is a lack of literature review on health promotion programs targeting these individuals combined with the consideration for the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ populations.
Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review is to explore the barriers to sexual health education for LGBTQ+ individuals and to identify the most effective strategies for sexual promotion within the LGBTQ+ population by evaluation of current published research.
Methods: An integrative literature review was utilized to evaluate peer-reviewed articles published from 2007 to 2017 from three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and SpringerLink). The search terms included sexual health, sexual education, sexual health promotion, reproductive health, barriers, obstacles, strategies, interventions, LGBTQ, LGBT, queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. This process yielded 18 articles.
Results: Seven barriers were identified: 1) non-disclosure, 2) stigma, 3) discrimination, 4) heteronormativity, 5) lack of reliable information, 6) poverty, and 7) invisibility. Health promotion strategies identified as effective included online formats, small group formats, and LGBTQ+ specific training for health care professionals.
Conclusion: This review found seven barriers which contribute to a lack of sexual health education within the LGBTQ+ community. Three health promotion strategies are geared toward reaching this population effectively.
Keywords: LGBTQ+, sexual health promotion, sex education, barriers