Evidence of the effectiveness of Contraception the Board Game

Having undertaken a piece of research at the University of Manachester for her Masters in Population Health Sarah Bagshaw has made her report available at Contraception Education. The report follows what happened when groups of young people in a youth inclusion project played Contraception the Board Game in their evening sessions. Findings show acceptability of the game in facilitating open discussion, an increase in knowledge of STI's and change of attitude around the use of condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infection

For more information or to contact Sarah Bagshaw, the author, please contact us here

Are condoms not sexy enough to be news?

This past few weeks has been quite busy, with National condom week (http://www.contraceptioneducation.co.uk/nitem.asp?news_id=403) and the debates in the House of Parliament on late abortion. Of course for last weeks blog Barbara found an excellent link to her MP Tom Levitt's blog and his reasons for voting to keep the 24 week limit for late abortion.

Overall the media has had a field day on late abortion with a range of emotive reporting, but very little has featured in newspapers and TV about National condom week. I wonder why this is the case. Clearly, the important messages about protecting ones sexual health by using a condom is simple enough to understand and yet evidence suggests that this message is not fully applied in practice. Sexually transmitted infections continue to affect many young people with rates increasing and in some parts of the UK epidemics exist ( http://www.nwph.net/nwpho/_layouts/1033/searchresults.aspx).

Young people need good information more than ever about protecting themselves, staying safe and in control. Being able to make your own decisions and choices about your sexual health requires first and foremost knowledge and confidence. One of the most powerful ways to get positive and long lasting messages to young people is through the media. I think more could have been done for during National condom week – what do you think?

This week Julie Wray discusses the power of Rap music ‘Rap can play a positive part in giving out safer sex messages’.. You just have to listen

Normally I can’t stand rap music all that thudding and noise with foul lyrics – gross! My sons love it and they try to tell me that if I simply listened properly to the lyrics I would get it. I am reluctant to admit that it could be a sign of ageing on my part… but I don’t think so, I have not enjoyed most of what I have heard despite constant exposure to the stuff! Anyway the other day my son said listen to this track mum.. It is cool and there is a positive sexual health message for young people, you would like this one! He even suggested that Contraception Education considers using it as a signature track. The song in question is by Dr Evil called STD. Check it out:




In fact, I liked it and yes the lyrics are positive and there is a useful message for young people (well all people). Funny that something so simple can be so effective and that listening properly to the lyrics of a rap song shows that there is power in music. Maybe I need to listen more carefully in future and not judge all rap the same….. Like the saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’. I came across a research paper that explored rap music and sexual health with young people in the USA; it showed that rap has a major role to play within youth culture. I guess what we need to do is embrace the good messages and support the songs/tracks that rap has to offer.