title: Sexual and reproductive health in Greenland: evaluation of implementing sexual peer-to-peer education in Greenland (the SexInuk project).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For decades, the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, have increased in Greenland, especially within the young age groups (15-29 years). From 2006 to 2013, the number of abortions has been consistent with approximately 800-900 abortions per year in Greenland, which is nearly as high as the total number of births during the same period. Previous studies in Greenland have reported that knowledge about sexual health is important, both as prevention and as facilitator to stop the increasing rates of STIs. A peer-to-peer education programme about sexual health requires adaption to cultural values and acceptance among the population and government in order to be sustainable.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Formative evaluation of a voluntary project (SexInuk), in relation to peer-to-peer education with focus on sexual health. Two workshops were conducted in Nuuk, Greenland, to recruit Greenlandic students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative design with focus group interviews (FGIs) to collect qualitative feedback on feasibility and implementation of the project. Supplemented with a brief questionnaire regarding personal information (gender, age, education) and questions about the educational elements in the SexInuk project. Eight Greenlandic students, who had completed one or two workshops, were enrolled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The FGIs showed an overall consensus regarding the need for improving sexual health education in Greenland. The participants requested more voluntary educators, to secure sustainability. The articulation of taboo topics in the Greenlandic society appeared very important. The participants suggested more awareness by promoting the project.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cultural values and language directions were important elements in the FGIs. To our knowledge, voluntary work regarding peer-to-peer education and sexual health has not been structurally evaluated in Greenland before. To achieve sustainability, the project needs educators and financial support. Further research is needed to investigate how peer-to-peer education can improve sexual and reproductive health in Greenland.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
authors.forename: Anne-Sophie
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Homøe
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; ane-kersti@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ane-Kersti Skaarup
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Knudsen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
authors.forename: Sigrid Brisson
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
authors.forename: Anna Garcia-Alix
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Grynnerup
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D001110:Arctic Regions; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D006116:Greenland; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000193:education*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Greenlandic students; sexual behaviour; sexually transmitted infections; volunteer work