Investigation of PH nurses' knowledge about sexting and young people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To investigate public health nurses' knowledge and confidence in promoting the positive sexual health of young people who use technology to share self-images known as 'selfies' and/or 'sexting'.
IRAS ID
197125
Contact name
Alison Lewis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 3 days
Research summary
The sharing of self-produced sexualised texts and images via cell phone or internet has become a regular activity amongst the population as a whole and rapidly amongst young people aged under 19 years, who now see this activity as the 'norm'. The literature available from UK, USA and Europe indicates that sexting is an activity that has profound consequences and potential health and social risks for young people. This study will focus on public health nurses' knowledge and confidence in addressing young people's use of this technology and then extend awareness of the public health impact of sexting. We hope to develop positive health orientated messages around the subject acceptable to both professionals and young people themselves. The study will use semi-structured interviewing of 15 public health nurses who work with young people regarding their knowledge and experience of sexting at community locations where they are based (Phase 1from February 2016 to April 2016) From these interviews, 'vignettes' will be developed to discuss with a focus group of 5-6 young people at a community location such as children centre/clinic to explore the nurses' decisions and responses in relation to promoting positive sexual health (Phase 2 May/June 2016)
The study will take place within Warwickshire. Public health nurses include family nurses, school health advisors and health visitors.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0047
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion