Sexuality 360@ School: an ecosystem approach to comprehensive sexuality education in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background: The number of teen pregnancies in Hong Kong is unknown. According to Hong Kong census data along with pregnancy termination data from Hospital Authority and the Family Planning Association, it is estimated that approximately 5,000 girls aged 15–24 face crisis pregnancies each year. Among sexually active adolescents in Hong Kong, 44 percent report inconsistent use of contraceptives and 11% report no use of contraceptives [Lau, M.W., 2016, June 8. #LetsTalkAboutIt - Sexuality education in Hong Kong. (Web log post). Ming Wai Lau. Retrieved from http://hello.mingwailau.hk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sex-Ed-Report-FINAL-CLEAN.pdf]. The study purpose is to develop a comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) program for Hong Kong adolescents. Methods: Adapting the WHO Health Promoting School approach, Mother’s Choice developed a CSE ecosystem program to empower adolescents and key adults in their support networks (i.e., school and family) with the sexual health knowledge, attitudes, skills and connection to motivate healthy sexual decision-making. Results: We developed a four-year CSE curriculum for Hong Kong secondary school youth (Form 1–Form 4) along with training programs for teachers and parents. The curriculum adapts best practices from International Technical Guidance from UNESCO and National Sexuality Education Standards (USA) that is suitable for Hong Kong’s context. In our initial testing of the program with secondary students, we found that both teachers and students responded positively to our program and students generally found our program useful. Conclusions: Going forward, we hope to test the CSE curriculum in more schools and refine the program as needed to empower healthy sexual decision making among Hong Kong adolescents.