Pacific High School Students’ Experiences of Sexual and Reproductive Health Education in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Young people of Pacific heritage living in Aotearoa New Zealand experience poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Current understandings of Pacific youth sexual and reproductive experiences are limited and efforts to deliver culturally appropriate sexuality education are made difficult by lack of resources and cultural sensitivities and taboos. This study aimed to understand Pacific youth experiences of sexuality education within the school setting to ascertain culturally responsive approaches to sexuality education for Pacific youth. The study used the Pacific talanoa methodology to conduct group discussions with young people aged 16–18 years old. A total of six group discussions were carried out over a three-month period. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found a lack of information provided at school. Discussion of abstinence, sex before marriage and asking questions at home was aligned to Pacific values of family, taboo, and gender. Perspectives on trust, privacy and confidentiality within the school setting were important to young people, many of whom were not familiar with being able to speak freely about sexual health topics. Pornography and social media were easily accessible to youth and influenced their ability to explore and understand sexual and reproductive health issues and needs.