Sources of Information for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Adolescents on Sexuality and Sexual Heath

Abstract

Introduction Comprehensive, trusted, age appropriate, relevant sexual education gives young people the tools they need to feel more confident in making informed decisions and developing healthier and more satisfying relationships. Information on sexuality and sexual health is primarily delivered through family, schools, community and friends. However, in the context of young people who do not identify as heterosexual these sources of information have been found to be inadequate. There is a lack of lack of evidence on where LGBQ young people access information on sexuality and sexual health.

Aim of the Study This research study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the sources of information of LGBQ adolescents aged 13-19, on sexuality and sexual health.

Research Design A quantitative descriptive cross sectional survey design was used. Using social media recruitment, data was collected using an anonymous online survey on nineteen sources of information and twenty topics related to sexuality and sexual health. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was granted.

Findings Key findings from this study indicate that there is no single source of information used by respondents across all topics. The sources of information differ depending on the category of topics with both personal and internet/media sources being used. Instead, primary sources are a combination of in-person and internet/media sources which are mother/ female guardian, LGBQ and non-LGBQ friends, LGBQ community, school/teacher, Internet searches (LGBQ focussed and non-LGBQ focussed) and pornography (porn) with varying usefulness.

Conclusion The findings from this cross-sectional study of sources of information in LGBQ Irish adolescents, aged 13-19, show there is no one primary source of information on sexuality and sexual health that LGBQ adolescents used or find useful. The most commonly used sources were mother/ female guardian, LGBQ and non-LGBQ friends, LGBQ community, school/ teacher, internet searches (LGBQ and non-LGBQ focussed) and porn, all with varying usefulness. While individual sources used were similar to those used in other national and international studies, the combined information on sources used and useful specific to individual topics advances the knowledge in this area of research.