Social educator students' readiness to address sexual health in their future profession

Abstract

Background: Norwegian social educator students' attitudes towards addressing sexual health are unknown, even if their future clients often have needs related to sexual issues. Purpose: To investigate social educator students' readiness to address sexual health in their future profession. Methods: In 2019, 213 social educator students (response rate 34%) responded to the Students' Attitudes towards addressing Sexual Health Extended online questionnaire. Results: Most of the social educator students felt comfortable and ready to address sexual health in their future profession, but thought they had insufficient competence and education concerning sexual health. There were gender and age differences when discussing sexual health among persons with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: Despite most Norwegian social educator students feeling ready to address sexual health, they needed additional competences and education. Further research is needed concerning the effectiveness of educational interventions targeting competence in sexual health, to ensure sufficient support for clients in this field.