Parents’ perceptions on issues and barriers affecting sex education in Malaysia / Wan Nur Atiqah Wan Mohd Zaidi and Zariq Nadia Zahari

Background: Malaysia has implemented sexuality education as part of its mainstream school curriculum since about half a decade ago. However, the controversy and lack of knowledge on sexuality education among the public continue despite evidence that comprehensive sexuality education may effectively promote sexual health. Objective: Aims of this study was to explore the understanding and perspectives of parents on sexuality education in Malaysia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among eight parents (four mothers and four fathers) aged between 33 and 53 years old. All participants gave informed consent. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audiotaped and transcribed. All quotes were encoded using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner program and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the analyses; i) misunderstanding of meaning of the terms, ii) attitude of parent towards sexuality education, iii) accessible structural support in sexuality education, and iv) strategies and approaches. Most parents we interviewed have misunderstood the concept of sex that the construct was believed to be exclusive for sexual intercourse. The misconception was further reinforced by the lack of knowledge on sexuality among parents themselves, the needs to conform to sociocultural expectations, poorly trained educators, and various other hurdles to accessing services related to enhancing sexuality education. Hence, parents suggested measures to enhance their knowledge on sexuality, equipped and trained educators at school and implementation of a comprehensive sexuality education which is acceptable to multicultural Malaysians. Conclusion: Parents lack understanding of sexuality education, hence positive and comprehensive approaches to teaching about sexuality are required.