Impacts of a sexuality education class on children, pregnant mothers and their family: changes in mothers' feelings, concerns and family response

Abstract

Purpose
To describe feelings and behaviors of mothers before and after participating in sexuality education class in order to identify family's changes due to the classes.
Method
This was a qualitative descriptive study. Volunteer mothers attended one two-three hour class with the sibling (s), and occasionally other family members. Ten pregnant mothers participated in individual semi-structured interviews before beginning classes and one month after they ended. Recorded interviews were corded and categorized to identify changes in family.
Results
Mothers concerns were categorized into three themes: sexuality education as a first step, sibling preparation for the older child and family, and family-centered childbirth. Mothers had [hoped to provide scientific knowledge on sexuality for their child], however they [worried about what topic to discuss with their child] and [searched for the age-appropriate approach for teaching sexuality]. After the classes, they [felt confident to talk about sexuality with their child], and [could see evidence of the child's good understanding of the classes]. At the same time they looked back on the past and [criticized their own sexuality education in childhood]. During pregnancy and before the classes, mothers [felt difficulty in dealing with their older child]and [hoped the older child would accept the newborn smoothly]. After the classes they [felt reassured that regression by the older child was healthy]and [realized how the class helped their child to grow up]. Mothers [expected childbirth with family] and [wanted to prepare the child to join the childbirth]; these were motives to participate in the classes. After the classes mothers[felt confident because of having same knowledge base]in the family. In addition, the classes [created the opportunity to face the coming childbirth].
Conclusion
The classes, one two-hour session, were effective in promoting positive changes for pregnant mothers with regard to their concerns for the older child and family centered childbirth. To confirm and clarify the effects of the classes we have to increase the number of participants and also assess long term effects.