2022 Volume 18 Pages 20-31
Background: In Japan, sexual health has been an important issue for a long time for many reasons. Considering the current state of abortions and sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents andteenagers, sexuality education, particularly for youth, should be further emphasized and enhanced.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to carry out a sexuality education workshop for university students, who as a group are likely to become sexually active, and to examine its effectiveness. In the workshop, a university student of the same generation as the participants provided information on sexuality and acted as facilitator. In addition, the workshop was designed to encourage students to actively participate.
Methods: In January 2021, a 60-minute workshop was held for students enrolled at University A in the Kanto region. The facilitator was a freshman from the university’s faculty of education, and the number of participants was approximately 70. The first 40 minutes of this workshop provided information in a lecture-style, and the final 20 minutes used the chat function to exchange opinions among participants. We fully guaranteed the anonymity of the participants, who were not required to show their names or faces. The survey was conducted in February 2021 using the semi-structured interview method. We interviewed 7 students who had participated in this workshop and had consented to be interviewed. Interviews were conducted individually (approximately 60 minutes per student).
Results: As a result of data analysis, the data were coded and classified into 11 subcategories in 5 categories. Specifically, we identified the following 5 categories: [Advantages of online format], [Advantages of the facilitator being of the same generation], [Awareness of the importance of thinking and commenting on sexuality], [Opportunity to share opinions and worries about sexuality with the same generation], and [Awareness of the need for enhanced sexuality education for university students].
Conclusion: Regarding the workshop, positive opinions were shown about the fact that anonymity was ensured and that a university student of the same generation was the facilitator. This practice encouraged the participants to participate voluntarily and exchange opinions, suggesting that this workshop was meaningful. While sexuality education for university students is not sufficient in Japan, it is hoped that activities similar to this workshop will become widespread in the future. In addition to such activities, it is also important that the aim and content of sexuality education for university students be thoroughly examined.
