title: Key informant perceptions of youth-focussed sexual health promotion programs in Australia.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3103, Australia.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Keogh
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Temple-Smith
authors.forename: Christopher K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Fairley
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bayly
authors.forename: Henrietta
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McNamee
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Henning
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hsueh
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hocking
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D021841:Safe Sex; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*