Sexual and reproductive health in Greenland: evaluation of implementing sexual peer-to-peer education in Greenland (the SexInuk project)

Abstract

BackgroundFor 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.ObjectiveFormative 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. DesignQualitative 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionCultural 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.

Gonorrhoea in Greenland: geographic differences in diagnostic activity and incidence of gonorrhoea in 2015

“…The group of asymptomatic cases make an important reservoir of infection and this constitutes a risk of continuous infection. The current increase could be due to lack of effective STI prevention strategies and/or an increase in diagnostic activity throughout all regions of Greenland as well as the implementation of NAAT-testing in 2011 [12,13,16] .…”

“…This has made it difficult to maintain healthcare programmes, because of frequently changing healthcare personnel and programmes that are never deeply rooted into the healthcare system as part of a long-term solution [4,12,13]. …”

“…Both nationally and locally the Greenlandic health authorities have launched several initiatives through the years in order to reduce the incidence of gonorrhoea and other STIs. Implementation of new diagnostic methods, enhancement of infection surveillance and screening, and public campaigns and interventions such as peer-to-peer programmes in schools are some of these initiatives [10,12,13]. Furthermore, sexual health education is mandatory in the public school in Greenland, all proving that authorities have an interest in improving sexual health in Greenland.…”

“…Furthermore, sexual health education is mandatory in the public school in Greenland, all proving that authorities have an interest in improving sexual health in Greenland. However, currently, it seems that these initiatives are not enough to decrease the incidence of gonorrhoea [12]. …”

“…A more community-based approach, e.g. Inuulluataarneq (having the good life) involving family and youth in sexual health education programmes, storytelling and peer-to-peer sexual education are some of these strategies [4,12,13]. …”