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Love Bugs: promoting sexual health among young people in Samoa
Author(s) -
Heard Emma,
Auvaa Leveti,
Pickering Charlotte
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he14055
Subject(s) - reproductive health , samoan , medicine , human sexuality , health promotion , government (linguistics) , population , public health , public relations , nursing , environmental health , political science , sociology , gender studies , linguistics , philosophy
Issue 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.