Échale Neurona and contextual barriers to sex and sexuality education in Mexico

Abstract

Background: Developing sex and sexuality education programmes for adolescents has proved challenging in many parts of the world, especially in contexts where the importance of these programmes is not valued. In such settings, educating about sex and sexuality may also require dealing with detractors who are active in spreading misinformation. Objective: This article identifies contextual barriers encountered by those involved in developing the Échale Neurona programme in Mexico. Team members associated with the programme have been teaching about sex and sexuality in public secondary and high schools since 2016. Methods and design: Grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews. Interviews took place with 10 participants including health promotion experts and programme officials. The main focus of the interviews was on the contextual limitations encountered when implementing sex and sexuality education workshops. Results: Findings reveal at least three types of barriers hindering the comprehensive sex and sexuality education developed by the programme: institutional, cultural and socio-educational barriers. Conclusion: Contextual barriers associated with family and school environments posed a significant challenge to implementation. Such barriers may facilitate or hinder sex and sexuality education programmes affecting the way young people develop their sex lives and live their sexuality.