ABSTRACT

Sexuality education in school is important for students’ reproductive health; however, devising ways of tailoring it to the needs of a particular society can be challenging. We compared preferences for type of sexuality education in high schools and the level of knowledge of reproductive health among students, parents and teachers in Myanmar. A cross-sectional study was conducted in public high schools in Pyin Oo Lwin. Students, their parents and teachers were asked their preferences for sexuality education and their reproductive health knowledge. Focus group discussions were held to explore their insights on sexuality education for students. We found that 73% of students preferred comprehensive sex education whereas 62% and 56% of parents and teachers preferred an abstinence only approach, respectively. Reproductive health knowledge was low, particularly among students, and particularly with respect to knowledge of sexually transmitted infections. Cultural issues, training and manpower emerged as key themes from the focus groups. Over half of the students said that they were not receiving any form of sex education at school. Reproductive health knowledge was unsatisfactory among all participants reflecting the insufficiency of current sexuality education classes. Training and support for teachers should be provided.

摘要

学校的性教育对学生的生殖健康很重要；但是，设计一种使其适应特定社会需求的方法可能具有挑战性。我们比较了缅甸高中学生对性教育类型的偏好以及学生，父母和老师对生殖健康的了解程度。在Pyin Oo Lwin的公立中学进行了横断面研究。向学生，他们的父母和老师询问他们对性教育和生殖健康知识的偏爱。进行了焦点小组讨论，以探讨他们对学生性教育的见解。我们发现73％的学生更喜欢全面的性教育，而62％和56％的父母和老师更喜欢仅节欲的方法。生殖健康知识不足，特别是在学生当中，尤其是在性传播感染方面。文化问题，培训和人力成为焦点小组的主要主题。超过一半的学生说他们在学校没有接受任何形式的性教育。所有参与者的生殖健康知识都不尽人意，这反映了当前性教育课程的不足。应该为教师提供培训和支持。所有参与者的生殖健康知识都不尽人意，这反映了当前性教育课程的不足。应该为教师提供培训和支持。所有参与者的生殖健康知识都不尽人意，这反映了当前性教育课程的不足。应该为教师提供培训和支持。