Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions on sex education among secondary school parents

Abstract

Sex is normal in all relationships. However, this subject is still stigmatised and considered taboo in Malta. Malta still does not have a high-quality Sex education program. The Guidelines for Sex education were last updated in 2013 (Camilleri, 2013). This demonstrates how far back Malta is. Many points of view and beliefs have changed in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual knowledge, perceptions, and sexual attitudes concerning Sex education among secondary school parents in Malta. The questionnaire’s statements were divided into positive and negative statements to investigate the sample’s demographic’s influence on parents’ attitudes. To achieve the study's objectives, a quantitative approach was used. A questionnaire was distributed using social media platforms, including parent groups, out of which 93 participants responded. The data was analysed using quantitative statistical tests such as the t-test and the one-way ANOVA test. The findings revealed a link between the genders of the parents and their attitudes toward Sex education. The majority of the study's sample were in favour of Sex education and had adequate knowledge of Sex education and its effects. Respondents also stated that adolescents in Malta nowadays confront an absence of information regarding knowledge about sex. The findings revealed a link between parental educational background and sexual attitudes. A relationship was identified between the adolescent's school and sexual attitudes, as well as the parent's experience with sex education and sexual attitudes. Because the sample was small, most tests were unable to generalise to the population, and differences were more pronounced within the sample, which is why a histogram was generated to show the frequency distribution of the sample. Recommendations are provided for more inclusive sex education and improved promotion of sexual health services.