Assessing the role of school-based sex education in sexual health behaviours: a systematic review

To identify and synthesise evidence on the role of school-based sex education interventions and to use a Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) taxonomy to identify behaviour change techniques on sexual health behaviours. The systematic review was informed by the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and included the components of PICOS: participant/population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes and study design. Five electronic databases were searched up to February 2023 including PUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ERIC, Web of Science Core Collection and PsycINFO. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project, Quality Assessment tool. Results were presented as a narrative synthesis. Of the 1387 studies identified, twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies examined sexual health behaviours such as condom usage, frequency of sexual activity, initiation of sexual activity and number of sexual partners. More than half studies (56%) reported a statistically significant change on one or more sexual health behaviour outcomes. Nine (out of 93) BCTs were identified with the most used BCTs being information about health consequences and social and emotional consequences, demonstration of behaviour, behavioural practice/rehearsal and instructions on how to perform the behaviour. School-based sex education interventions can be effective in promoting positive sexual health behaviours. The findings of this review provide understanding of such interventions in shaping sexual health behaviours. These also offer evidence-based knowledge for researchers, educators and policy makers in understanding how they can support future development of school-based sex education programmes. The findings of this systematic review provide an important understanding of the role of school-based sex education on shaping sexual health behaviours. Findings may be used to guide the design of interventions targeting positive behavioural outcomes and support policymakers in developing informed strategies to shape sexual health outcomes in young people. Ultimately, this can contribute to promoting the overall health and well-being of young individuals.</p

sj-docx-1-hpq-10.1177_13591053241243285 – Supplemental material for Childhood maltreatment and the risk of impaired glucose metabolism or type 2 diabetes in young adults: Findings from the Lifelines Cohort Study

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-hpq-10.1177_13591053241243285 for Childhood maltreatment and the risk of impaired glucose metabolism or type 2 diabetes in young adults: Findings from the Lifelines Cohort Study by Sonya S. Deschênes, Finiki Nearchou, Amy McInerney, Norbert Schmitz, Frans Pouwer and Arie Nouwen in Journal of Health Psychology</p

COVID-19 IDD: Findings from a global survey exploring family members’ and paid staff’s perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their caregivers.

Background: A growing body of evidence attests to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the pandemic. This study asked caregivers about their perceptions of how COVID-19 impacted them and the people they support. Method: An online survey was conducted in 12 countries during August-September 2020 and sought information on demographics, support practices, information and training, experiences of COVID-19, social distancing, and wellbeing, as measured by the DASS12. This study reports on 3,754 family members, direct support professionals, and managers who participated in the survey. Results: Caregivers observed increases in depression/anxiety, stereotyped behaviours, aggression towards others and weight gain in the person(s) they supported. They also reported difficulties supporting the person(s) to access healthcare.  Families reported reducing or ceasing employment and absorbed additional costs when supporting their family member. Direct support professionals experienced changes in staff shifts, staff absences, increased workload and hiring of casual staff. Caregivers’ wellbeing revealed high levels of stress, depression, and less so anxiety. The strongest predictor of wellbeing among families was observation of changes in mood in the person(s) they supported, while for direct support professionals, the strongest predictors of wellbeing were reorganisation of staff shifts and increases in new direct support staff.  Discussion: Findings support the contention of this population experiencing a disproportionate burden during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting historical inequities in access to healthcare and other human rights violations which are now protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities