Educators' Perspectives on Integrating Technology Into Sexual Health Education: Implementation Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Technology-based sexual health education is increasingly used, showing feasibility and efficacy in improving youth knowledge and behaviors.
• However, health educators' experiences integrating these technologies into curricula are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess health educators' perceptions and experiences with technology in a sexual health program for underserved youth.
• To identify facilitators and challenges of incorporating technology into in-person sexual health education.

Main Methods:

• Implementation study using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial of the "In the Know" (ITK) program.
• Analysis of implementation logs (n=51) and interviews with health educators (n=8) on technology use and adaptations.

Main Results:

• Technological issues decreased from 87% to 47% over three years as educators' familiarity grew.
• Key domains included managing technology, app usability, and youth engagement; educators reported positive engagement but noted barriers like limited mobile data and battery life.
• Technology issues were more prevalent in non-school settings.

Conclusions:

• Health educators need adequate training and support to effectively use technology for sexual health education.
• Programs must consider participants' and educators' technological needs and limitations, especially when targeting underserved populations.