Sexual health and wellbeing training with women in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Women who are spouses of students at a faith-based university in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are afforded proximal power. These women are perceived as leaders and regularly approached by members in their communities to provide advice on sexual and reproductive health matters. Women leaders therefore need access to sexual health information and training to provide appropriate advice. Objective The aim of this paper is to review the characteristics of community-based sexual health training in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), as reported in published literature. This is evidence to inform the development of sexual health training programs for women in PNG. Methods A systematic search of databases, repositories and websites identified peer-reviewed studies. Grey literature was also sourced from government and non-government organisations and PNG health professionals. Six published papers, one report, one health worker practice manual and one health worker training package were identified for inclusion. Selected papers were assessed against the Canadian Hierarchy of Evidence to determine quality of evidence for practice. Themes were identified using a thematic analysis approach. Results Three themes became apparent from the literature synthesis: i) program development ; ii) mode of delivery , and iii) evaluation . Social and cultural context influenced all elements of sexual health training in PICTs. Few studies reported evidence of comprehensive evaluation. Conclusions Successful sexual health training programs in PICT communities are designed and delivered accounting for local contexts. Programs that engage participants with diverse abilities inspire change to achieve desired outcomes. Key findings from this study can be used to assist women leaders to contextualise and operationalise sexual health training to promote the wellbeing of members in their communities.

Women’s participation in the prevention and control of dengue using environmental methods in the global south: a qualitative meta-synthesis

“…Despite outward religious conservatism, they are described as a hotbed for women’s empowerment via opportunities provided for networking with external organisations, building solidarity, informal education and gaining certain types of leadership and decision-making experience in women-friendly contexts [ 92 ]. Church-linked groups and churches themselves hosted, for examples, sexual health awareness training for female community leaders and village health workers although with respect to local social and cultural features such as religion and gender [ 74 ]. Other women’s health initiatives facilitated include mammogram screenings [ 49 ], health literacy training and discussion and action against domestic violence [ 92 ].…”