Using a Board Game About Sexual Health with Young People with Chronic Conditions in Daily Practice: A Research into Facilitating and Impeding Factors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to gain insight into use of a new board game (SeCZ TaLK) to facilitate discussing sexual health with adolescents with chronic conditions in healthcare and special education, and to establish impeding and facilitating factors for using the game. In a cross-sectional mixed-methods study, the use of SeCZ TaLK in daily practice was evaluated through a web-based survey among 151 professionals in health care and education. Initially, 336 professionals had obtained the game 12–18 months earlier. In addition, twelve professionals were interviewed individually. Results showed that the actual use of SeCZ TaLK was associated with a positive attitude towards discussing sexuality, a high perceived feasibility of the game, own motivation and skills, and correspondence with work routines. The presence of preconditions (such as time to play and staffing capacity), participant’s recruitment for game sessions and the professional environment were non-significant factors. Professionals appreciated the board game SeCZ TaLK but actual use depended on own motivation and skills and correspondence with work routines. To enhance the use of the board game, management should prioritize discussing sexuality and support the professionals in developing relevant skills.