Adapting Evidence-Based Sexuality Education to Meet the Needs of Refugee Youth in the USA

Abstract

The sexual health of adolescents globally and in the USA remains a significant public health challenge. No evidence-based sexual health education programs exist that specifically target refugee adolescents. The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe the impact of an evidence-based sexual health education program previously demonstrated effectiveness in nonrefugee populations on refugee adolescents’ sexual health attitudes, beliefs, intentions and behaviors using minor adaptations to the curriculum. This analysis used a subsample of adolescents from refugee or immigrant backgrounds who participated in a community-based sexuality education program, Reach One Teach One-North Dakota (ROTO-ND). Previously validated scaled survey items were used to assess participants’ sexual health beliefs, self-efficacy, knowledge of sexual health resources, and behaviors. Summary statistics were calculated for sociodemographic characteristics categorized by length of time living in the USA. Bivariate unpaired comparisons demonstrated significant differences in the entire cohort on pre- to post-intervention scores on all outcome measures and scales while controlling for program attendance. Participant (n = 103) mean age was 16 and the majority were male (58%). The present study provides evidence that existing evidence-based interventions not intended to target refugee youth may contribute to meeting the unique sexual health education needs of refugee youth with minor adaptations.