Perceptions of Muslim parents and teachers towards sex education in Pakistan

Abstract

ABSTRACT This comparative cross-sectional study provides insight into the perceptions of Pakistani Muslim parents and teachers with respect to sex education. A validated questionnaire was distributed to 418 participants, using uncontrolled quota sampling and a total of 273 subjects responded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.25. In this study, 76.1% of the parents and 64.4% of the teachers responded affirmatively when asked whether they thought that age-appropriate sexuality education should be provided in school. However, most believed that sex education was in conflict with Islamic ideology. ‘Bullying prevention’ and ‘sexual abuse prevention’ were strongly supported sexuality-related topics while pregnancy prevention was the least supported. The major perceived challenge to the implementation of sexuality education was that some parents did not want the subject taught in schools. Around 46% of the parents responding said that they had never even spoken to their child about sexual issues. Therefore, prior the introduction of any such curriculum-based programme, it is imperative to educate the general population and train teachers to ensure the provision of high-quality sex education. The development of scientifically accurate, age-appropriate and context-relevant sex education and the identification of modalities for its effective implementation remains a major challenge in Pakistan.