Optimisation, feasibility testing and a pilot randomised trial of SaFE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimisation,Optimisation, feasibility testing and a pilot randomised trial of SaFE: a sexual health and healthy relationships intervention for Further Education.
IRAS ID
270379
Contact name
Rachel Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN 37739
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dating and relationship violence (DRV) includes threats, emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, physical violence and forced sexual activity. About half of young people in Further Education (FE) report DRV. Young people in the UK also have poor sexual health including high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Improving sexual health and reducing DRV in young people is a UK public health priority. The FE sector (colleges and 6th forms) is growing and most students are aged 16-24 meaning it is suited for public health interventions.
This project builds on our previously funded study where FE students, FE staff and sexual health charity staff said that they want onsite sexual health services and staff safeguarding training about sexual health and relationships, but they are not currently available. The SaFE intervention addresses these gaps by: 1) offering free onsite sexual health (e.g. condoms, STI tests and pregnancy tests) and relationship services; 2) publicising these services and; 3) training FE staff how to promote sexual health and recognize and respond to DRV and sexual harassment.
We plan to test whether SaFE improves sexual health and reduces DRV, but first we need to find out whether the intervention and research methods are practical. First, we will work with key stakeholders to adapt existing publicity and staff training materials for use in FE. Second, we will test and refine SaFE in two FE settings. Third, we will pilot SaFE; surveying students in six FE settings then randomly deciding four settings to receive SaFE and two to act as comparisons. In sites delivering SaFE we will interview staff and students to find out what they think of it, and we will observe the delivery of the intervention. We will survey students in all sites again 12 months later.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
20/WA/0090
Date of REC Opinion
9 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion