Strategies for improving the sexual health of young people

Abstract

This paper argues for a holistic approach to improving the sexual health of young people, effecting change at cultural, socioeconomic, and service organization levels. Such an approach necessitates close partnership working. The paper draws mainly upon the results of an in-depth case study of the process of developing an integrated approach to sexual health in East Yorkshire, England. Findings indicate that partnership working is severely curtailed by cultural barriers between different stakeholders when operating under their traditional roles, even when all are working towards a common goal. By contrast, when encountered common tasks are new, cultural barriers do not appear to matter and cultural diversity becomes a positive factor. There is a need to re-orientate practices according to a more integrated discourse of sexual health, utilizing in full the contribution each relevant stakeholder can make.