Is it True? Delivering sexual health education to students

Recently True Relationships & Reproductive Health, in partnership with the PHN, delivered the Is It True? Sexual Health, Lifestyles and Relationships Program at Harristown State High School in Toowoomba.

In Queensland, Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) rates are rising, particularly among 15–29-year-olds, who also lack sexual health knowledge (Queensland Health).

PHU data showed that in 2023, there had been 1165 STI cases in the Darling Downs – a 13.7% increase from the yearly average of 1024 (Darling Downs PHU, 2023).

Young people often seek information about sexuality, sex and sexual health. Is it True is an education, information and testing program developed for senior secondary school students. It provides simple facts about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the opportunity for young people to be tested.

During the program at Harristown State High School, year 11 students participated in education sessions and had access to clinical services on site at the school. It enabled the young people to have a sexual health check including STI screening, as well as the opportunity to talk to nurses about sexual and reproductive health needs.

Sexual health education equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values to protect their health and develop respectful sexual relationships. Evidence suggests that high-quality sex education delivers positive health outcomes and lifelong impacts (Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2020).

At the PHN, we come to the table as partners, building on our strengths and collaborating to deliver sustainable and meaningful change.

This is the first time the program has been delivered in our region, with the aim of improving access and equity to health services for young people.

The PHN is grateful for this important collaboration with True Relationships and Harristown State High School in working to reduce the rising numbers of STIs and providing evidence-based education on reproductive health for young people in our community.

Image caption:

Left to right: Helen Crabtree-Spencer (Clinical Nurse Manager), Liz Pearman (Advanced Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse), and Robyn Kavanagh (Regional Education Coordinator).
Absent: Sian Edwards (Medical Officer).