The Role of Community-Based Organizations in Adolescent Sexual Health Promotion

Abstract

Many scholars and practitioners have advocated for a more ecological approach to sexual health promotion for adolescents, such as one that includes involvement from schools, parents, and community organizations. Although extensive research has been conducted with schools and parents, little is known about the roles community-based organizations (CBOs) may play in the education and promotion of sexual health to young people. This study aimed to (a) identify the types of sexual health and sexuality-related questions asked by youth and programming/services, resources, and referrals currently being provided by CBOs; (b) explore the approaches used by CBOs when developing and implementing sexual health promotion programs; and (c) compare these findings with those from a similar study on school teachers, counselors, and nurses within the same state. Data collected from 169 people working in CBOs indicate that a wide variety of topics were covered by CBOs through programming and services, resources, and/or referral protocols. Topics covered varied in frequency. Overall, participants indicated a relatively comprehensive and accessible approach to providing sexuality information to youth. The results of this study suggest that CBOs should be included in the range of sources to be used for comprehensive sexual health promotion. If such organizations are supported with information, training, and resources, they could play a valuable role in the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.

Discovering Sexual Health Conversations Between Adolescents and Youth Development Professionals

“…The number of conversations reported on sexual orientation was considerably more than indicated by previous research (Fisher, et al, 2012). This is possibly due to the question interviewees were asked was, “Have you ever had a client approach you with a question related to sexual health and/or sexuality?” However, this question was framed thusly in order to convey to the YDPs that this question was open to cover any incident related to sexual health and sexuality.…”

“…The data showed that YDPs in CBOs are often approached about relationships; however it varied from findings that suggested that YDPs are infrequently approached about sexual health or sexual behavior (Fisher et al, 2012). This could be a result of differing research methods (qualitative versus quantitative) or the respondent’s experiences (both samples were convenience in nature).…”

“…Previous research suggests that youth development professionals (YDPs) working at community-based organizations (CBOs) often serve as a source to bridge the gap in sexual health and sexuality education (Fisher et al, 2010; Fisher et al, 2012). These YDPs are adult professionals typically working in community-based or non-profit organizations that serve youth (for example: Boys & Girls Club, Girls, Inc., YMCA).…”

Adoption of an Evidence-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Curriculum: A Case Study in a South Carolina School District

“…The efforts of the community TPP coalition and Prevent Child Abuse created a community environment that was primed because of their previous work in addressing TPP, their existing coordination, and the synergy that was created between their efforts and the school district CHE-AC committees. This work builds on previous research that has documented the crucial role of community organizations and partnerships in TPP work, as well as approaches to building and maintain community engagement (Fisher et al, 2012;Goldberg, Frank, Bekenstein, Garrity, & Ruiz, 2011).…”

A Qualitative Exploration of Community-Based Organization Programs, Resources, and Training to Promote Adolescent Sexual Health

“…These approaches suggest that health behaviors, including those related to sexual health and sexuality, are influenced across different levels, including the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels. Therefore, community-based organizations (CBOs) that address adolescent sexual health and sexuality can positively influence the behavior of the youth they serve (Constantine et al, 2007; Ott et al, 2011; Romeo & Kelley, 2009; Fisher et al, 2010; Fisher et al, 2012). …”