Sexuality education in Malaysia: perceived issues and barriers by professionals.
This research explored the perspectives of Malaysian professionals on the issues and barriers affecting the implementation of sexuality education in Malaysia. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 15 key professionals working in the field of sexuality and reproductive health in Malaysia. Thematic analysis was selected to analyze data. Barriers to sexuality education were perceived from 5 aspects: feasibility, acceptability, accountability, strategies, and community unawareness. Respondents believed that implementing national sexuality education is a time-consuming project. They regarded Malaysian multicultural society as a barrier to national sexuality education, and they believed that school-based sexuality education is not easily accomplished in Malaysia; also abstinence-only policy restricts the access of young people to accurate information. Lack of community involvement was perceived as a key concern to sexuality education. Campaigning to promote awareness of families, teachers, community leaders, and policy makers are recommended to help establishing national sexuality education in Malaysia.
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia zahra.fazli@siswa.um.edu.my.
Zahra Fazli
ZF
Khalaf
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Wah Yun
WY
Low
Iranian National Center of Addiction Studies (INCAS), Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Effat
E
Merghati-Khoei
Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Behzad
B
Ghorbani
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*
adolescent health; health care services; health education; reproductive epidemiology; social determinants of health