Register      Login
Health Promotion Journal of Australia Health Promotion Journal of Australia Society
Journal of the Australian Health Promotion Association
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Love Bugs: promoting sexual health among young people in Samoa

Emma Heard A D , Leveti Auvaa B and Charlotte Pickering C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Research and Course Development Advisor, National University of Samoa, Lepapaigalagala Campus Toomatagi, Samoa.

B Head of School, School for Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Samoa, Lepapaigalagala Campus Toomatagi, Samoa.

C Clinical and Community Services Advisor, Samoa Family Health Association, Savalalo, Apia, Samoa.

D Corresponding author. Email: emma.heard@uqconnect.edu.au

Health Promotion Journal of Australia 26(1) 30-32 https://doi.org/10.1071/HE14055
Submitted: 11 September 2014  Accepted: 30 September 2014   Published: 2 December 2014

Abstract

Issues addressed: This project addressed the sexual health and well being of youth in Samoa; a key at-risk group experiencing high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and alienation from sexual health services.

Methods: Love Bugs included a health promotion event held at the National University of Samoa (NUS), exposing young people to sexual health information and developing personal skills and building self-efficacy around healthy relationships, communication and safer sex. A survey provided insights into participants’ knowledge and perceptions of sexual health, STIs and healthy relationships. In response to survey results, six free condom dispensers were installed at NUS.

Results: Love Bugs exposed over 500 Samoan youth to positive sexual health information and provided an opportunity for personal skill development with regard to protecting sexual health and well being. Condom dispensers were developed and installed on the university campus for the ongoing access by students without concern of cost or embarrassment. Strong partnerships were built between key community and government stakeholders that encouraged collaborative action towards protecting sexual health and well being of Samoan youth.

Conclusions: Love Bugs was a successful initiative which addressed sexual health and well being of young people in Samoa. A comprehensive evaluation should be undertaken.

So what?: Love Bugs highlighted creative and culturally-appropriate ways to address sexual health in the Pacific. Rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies, particularly for youth, could be reduced through investment in the implementation and evaluation of such initiatives.

Key words: community-based intervention, developing countries, sexually transmitted infections.


References

[1]  Cliffe SJ, Tabrizi S, Sullivan EA (2008) Chlamydia in the Pacific Region, the silent epidemic. Sex Transm Dis 35, 801–6.
Chlamydia in the Pacific Region, the silent epidemic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18580823PubMed |

[2]  World Health Organisation Regional Office for the Western Pacific. HIV and sexually transmitted infections in the Western Pacific Region: 2000–2010. Manila (Philippines): World Health Organisation Press; 2012. Available from: http://www.wpro.who.int/publications/2012/document_hiv_and_sti_2000-2010.pdf [Verified 6 June 2014].

[3]  World Health Organisation Regional Office for the Western Pacific Region. Western Pacific country health profiles: 2011 revision. Manila (Philippines): World Health Organisation Press; 2011. Available from: http://www.wpro.who.int/health_information_evidence/documents/CHIPS/en/. [Verified 6 June 2014].

[4]  Lata S (2003) Decisions and dilemmas- reproductive health needs \assessment for adolescent girls in Samoa. Pac Health Dialog 10, 53–61.

[5]  Ministry of Health. Samoa domestic health survey 2009 . Apia (Samoa): Government of Samoa; 2010.

[6]  World Health Organisation. Position statement on condoms and HIV prevention. Geneva (Switzerland): World Health Organisation Press; 2004. Available from: http://www.unfpa.org/webdav/site/global/shared/documents/news/condom_statement.pdf. [Verified 6 May 2014].

[7]  Burtney E, Fullerton D. A review of the national and international research literature on condom promotion and distribution . Dunblane (Scotland): Insights Health and Social Research; 2009.

[8]  Bell J (2009) Why embarrassment inhibits the aquisition and use of condoms: a qualitative approach to understanding risky sexual behaviour. J Adolescence 32, 379–91.
Why embarrassment inhibits the aquisition and use of condoms: a qualitative approach to understanding risky sexual behaviour.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[9]  Sixsmith J, Griffiths J, Hughes J, Wren J, Penfold S, Natusch H (2006) Accessibility of condoms to young people in Manchester, UK. J Fam Plan Reprod H 32, 219–25.
Accessibility of condoms to young people in Manchester, UK.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[10]  McMillan K, Worth H (2011) The impact of socio-cultural context on young people’s condom use: evidence from two Pacific Island countries. Cult Health Sex 13, 313–26.
The impact of socio-cultural context on young people’s condom use: evidence from two Pacific Island countries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21077010PubMed |

[11]  Hastings G, Stead M, Webb J (2004) Fear appeals in social marketing: strategic and ethical reasons for concern. Psychol Market 21, 961–86.
Fear appeals in social marketing: strategic and ethical reasons for concern.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |