Joint-Working as a Policy for Reducing Inequalities in Access to Information: Developing Culturally Appropriate Sex and Relationships Education for Young Bangladeshis in London

Introduction: Despite government support of culturally appropriate sex and relationships education (SRE), young people's access to information is limited and sexual health needs are not being met, particularly among youth from black and minority ethnic groups. Joint-working between health, education, voluntary sectors and parents has been heralded as key in redressing inequalities in sexual health outcomes and access to information. Our study focuses on SRE provision for young Muslim Bangladeshis, highlighting the complexities involved in streamlining SRE messages. Objective: To explore stakeholder views about SRE and ways to improve SRE delivery. Design: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2005 with stakeholders from schools, National Health Service, and parent and voluntary sector bodies in a London borough. Results: Two key factors enhancing Bangladeshi youth's risk of infection and unwanted pregnancy were identified: inadequate parental understanding about sexual health and limited parent-delivered SRE; and patchy provision of culturally appropriate, school-based SRE. Factors affecting SRE provision included culturally rooted perceptions of sex/sexuality and limited participation of stakeholders, (religious leaders, parents), in developing and delivering SRE. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of widespread community engagement, underlining that joint-working, and the development and delivery of culturally appropriate and consistent SRE, necessitates communication and collaboration among stakeholders in young people's health and well-being. (Contains 1 table.)