The current challenges in delivering school-based sex education in Indonesia: A scoping review.

International Public Health Dissertation Prize Winner

Abstract

Background: School-based sex education is important in Indonesia because the incidence of sexual violence and risky sexual behaviour among children and adolescents is increasing. However, existing sex education remains inadequate with many obstacles to its implementation. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the available evidence on the challenges in providing school-based sex education and to identify key themes and potential research gaps.

Methods: A scoping review of literature from 2010 to 2023 was conducted in June 2023 using five major databases to identify relevant studies. Additional searches were conducted through manual reference searches and grey literature. The screening process involved evaluating studies based on their title, abstract, and full text against specific inclusion criteria. The scoping review followed the nine-stage methodology guidance provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The data extracted were organised, categorised, analysed, and synthesised in charts, tables, and narrative format.

Results: After the screening process, 10 studies were incorporated into the review. The difficulties in providing sex education in Indonesia encompass various aspects at different levels. At the individual level, challenges arise from the characteristics of teachers, parents, and students. At the school level, issues include a lack of supportive leadership, materials and facilities, and inadequate implementation. At the system level, obstacles include the absence of national guidelines, political and cultural factors, gender disparities, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in more recent time.

Conclusion: This review emphasises the potential for improvements in addressing the challenges. It is crucial to initiate systemic and institutional changes, which will ultimately influence the individual level. Establishing a legal framework, curriculum, and national guidelines will provide the basis for implementation at the institutional level. Collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders are also important for maximising program acceptance. Further initiatives are needed to enhance teachers' capacity and motivation. Further research is required to examine perceptions and acceptance in different types of schools and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, exploring which approaches are most effective in the Indonesian context is important.