P03.21 Be safe. stay well: four videos to educate international students on sexual health and staying safe in australia

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> In recent years there has been a considerable growth in the international student population in Australia driven primarily by university study and vocational training. Studying and living in a new country can bring a range of social challenges, and international students have shown to have limited understanding on sexual health within an Australian context. Following consultation and focus testing with international students and health professionals, the Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program (SHBBVP) have developed a collection of videos titled “Be Safe Stay Well” aimed at providing students with an understanding of sexual health and the health care system in WA. <h3>Methods</h3> Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 36 international students representing 22 different countries. Students reported wanting to know more about sexual health, safe sex and STIs. It was identified that having a resource providing sexual health information would be useful for the target group. In collaboration with the WA Department of Health’s Communications Directorate and an external production company, the four videos titled “Be Safe. Stay Well” were developed. <h3>Results</h3> The videos use animation and kinetic typography to appeal to an international audience whose first language is not usually English. They have been spoken by young people from a range of countries to ensure authenticity. Videos topics include: The importance of safe sex, Discussing STIs, Health service costs, and Sex and the law. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The videos were promoted and have been well received by a number of tertiary education institutes, youth and student organisations and sexual health agencies. The videos were promoted via social media, through relevant websites, newsletters and distributing promotional cards and posters. Conclusions on the effectiveness of the videos will be discussed once preliminary evaluation data is obtained from Google Analytics and the target audience. <h3>Disclosure of interest statement</h3> This paper is supported and funded by the WA Department of Health.