Evidence map›Paper›PMID 30975674›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2019

Providing sex and relationships education for looked-after children: a qualitative exploration of how personal and institutional factors promote or limit the experience of role ambiguity, conflict and overload among caregivers.

Catherine Nixon, Lawrie Elliott, Marion Henderson

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Catherine NixonMRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-0536-6066
Lawrie ElliottDepartment of Nursing and Community Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Marion HendersonMRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

Funding

Chief Scientist Office CSO DTF/09/16Chief Scientist Office SPHSU11Chief Scientist Office SPHSU12Chief Scientist Office SPHSU2Medical Research Council MC_UU_12017/11Medical Research Council MC_UU_12017/12Medical Research Council MC_UU_12017/2
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesTo explore how personal and institutional factors promote or limit caregivers promoting sexual health and relationships (SHR) among looked-after children (LAC). In so doing, develop existing research dominated by atheoretical accounts of the facilitators and barriers of SHR promotion in care settings.

designQualitative semistructured interview study.

settingUK social services, residential children's homes and foster care.

participants22 caregivers of LAC, including 9 foster carers, 8 residential carers and 5 social workers; half of whom had received SHR training.

methodsIn-depth interviews explored barriers/facilitators to SHR discussions, and how these shaped caregivers' experiences of discussing SHR with LAC. Data were systematically analysed using predetermined research questions and themes identified from reading transcripts. Role theory was used to explore caregivers' understanding of their role.

resultsSHR policies clarified role expectations and increased acceptability of discussing SHR. Training increased knowledge and confidence, and supported caregivers to reflect on how personally held values impacted practice. Identified training gaps were how to: (1) Discuss SHR with LAC demonstrating problematic sexual behaviours. (2) Record the SHR discussions that had occurred in LAC's health plans. Contrary to previous findings, caregivers regularly discussed SHR with LAC. Competing demands on time resulted in prioritisation of discussions for sexually active LAC and those 'at risk' of sexual exploitation/harm. Interagency working addressed gaps in SHR provision. SHR discussions placed emotional burdens on caregivers. Caregivers worried about allegations being made against them by LAC. Managerial/pastoral support and 'safe care' procedures minimised these harms.

conclusionsWhile acknowledging the existing level of SHR promotion for LAC there is scope to more firmly embed this into the role of caregivers. Care needs to be taken to avoid role ambiguity and tension when doing so. Providing SHR policies and training, promoting interagency working and providing pastoral support are important steps towards achieving this.

Indexed as

Adolescent Health ServicesCaregiversChild Health ServicesFoster Home CareSex EducationAdolescentChildConflict, PsychologicalFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMaleQualitative ResearchSocial WorkVulnerable Populationscaregiverslooked-after childrenqualitative researchsexual healthsocial workers

Identifiers

PMID30975674
PMCPMC6500194

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.