Sexuality education in primary school: A survey of teachers using a mixed-methods design

Since 1992, the Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA, Federal Centre for Health Education) has been mandated by the Schwangerschaftskonfliktgesetz (SchKG, Pregnancy Conflict Act) to develop concepts for sexuality education and to provide information on contraception free of charge throughout Germany (Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, 2016). These sexuality-education materials reach the target groups directly or are applied by multipliers as part of sexuality-education programmes.

Schools are among the most important multipliers of sexuality education. Teachers represent one of the central sources of knowledge transfer in the field of sexual and reproductive health (Scharmanski & Hessling, 2022) as they pass on sexuality knowledge and skills to their pupils (Scharmanski, Hessling & Barlovic, 2022).

Sexuality education is a mandatory part of the curriculum for all schools in Germany, although the topic is usually first addressed in primary school. Pupils, their parents and primary school teachers are therefore also the target group of the media package “Dem Leben auf der Spur” (On the Trail of Life), which institutions can order free of charge from the BZgA (https://shop.bzga.de/dem-leben-auf-der-spur/).

In order to ensure evidence-based health communication and the teaching of skills in the field of sexuality education, it is essential to possess a scientifically sound assessment (evaluation) of the media and measures (Kolip, 2021). This is the only way to determine whether the content, design and usability of the media package are (still) appropriate for the needs and target group or whether adjustments need to be made. The overriding question is whether the target groups use and accept the media package. This is the only way to achieve the intended effect: the development of sexuality knowledge and competence.

A large-scale evaluation study was carried out from the beginning of 2023 to determine whether the media package needed to be adjusted. The BZgA commissioned the House of Research field institute to carry out the study.

The methodology includes an online survey and digital focus groups to discuss the media package in greater depth (mixed-methods design). The target groups of the study are primary school teachers and special needs teachers in inclusive settings or at special needs schools. To participate in the study, they must have taught sex education to primary school children at least once.

The first step is an online-based questionnaire. On the one hand, it aims to record the general characteristics of sexuality education in schools, including inhibiting and supporting factors; on the other hand, it is intended to provide an initial, general evaluation of the media package “On the Trail of Life”.

Specifically, the questionnaire covers the following aspects:

• Awareness, use and evaluation of the media package;
• Topics and context of sexuality education in primary schools;
• Perceived attitude of the schools towards sexuality education;
• Perceived support/reservations on the part of parents;
• Sexuality education in inclusive settings (only special needs teachers);
• Professional experiences and changes in sexuality education in schools.

The field period of the online survey ran from mid-April to the end of June 2023. At the end of the online survey, 586 complete responses had been registered. Tables 1 and 2 show the main characteristics of the sample at the end of the field period (before adjustment).

First results are expected during 2023. Data collection, analysis and publication will be carried out in strict compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It will not be possible to draw conclusions about individuals, schools or other third parties.

 

In a second step, eight digital focus groups will be conducted with teachers or special need teachers. Participants will receive the full media package by post before the focus groups. The focus groups will discuss in detail the content of each element, the design, the acceptability and relevance of the media package, its potential uses and perceived impact.

A key issue will also be what adaptations are needed to enable special schools or inclusive settings to use the media pack. In addition, participants will be given an insight into the results of the online survey, followed by a participatory discussion of the results.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participating teachers and special needs teachers for their time and trust.