Sexual and reproductive health in a Vietnamese mountainous area

A qualitative analysis of current community and institutional health education

Bibliographic Data

ID19515501
AuthorsThi Hoa Huyen Nguyen (0000-0001-5836-0971, VinUniversity, corresponding author), My Huyen Hac (VinUniversity), Tran Ngoc Tran (VinUniversity), Anh Chau Nguyen (0009-0004-0669-854X, VinUniversity), Huong Thi Xuan Hoang (0000-0002-5248-0398, Phenikaa University)
Year2025
Pages1-14
Publication date2025-07-12
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSex Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1468-1811 • E-ISSN: 1472-0825
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14681811.2025.2530039
OpenAlexW4412366477
LanguageEN
References cited19

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is central to overall well-being, involving access to information, services and rights related to sexuality and reproduction. Despite international improvements in SRH outcomes, remote areas face challenges in delivering effective SRH education. This study aimed to explore SRH education in Vietnam and identify factors influencing access and participation in education programmes. A qualitative study was conducted in March 2022 in Son La province, a Vietnamese mountainous region. Six interviews and three group discussions were conducted with 18 health staff, village health workers, women, men, and adolescents. Education intervention programmes in mountainous areas of Vietnam face challenges related to limited focus, cultural influences, and logistical barriers. Community sessions often introduce SRH alongside broader health topics, while schools lack adequate training and resources for SRH education. Cultural traditions, such as early marriage and reliance on traditional medicine, further hinder the promotion of safe reproductive health. Although innovative approaches such as competitions and forums aim to enhance engagement in SRH education, the absence of specialist educators and cultural resistance might be obstacles. Culturally sensitive interventions and improved collaboration between health authorities and schools are essential to enhance SRH outcomes and empower individuals to make informed reproductive health decisions

Environmental health · Health education · Human sexuality · Political science · Population · Public health · Qualitative research · Reproductive health · Sex education · Social science · Sociology · Vietnamese · Gender Studies · Global Maternal and Child Health · Healthcare Systems and Reforms · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Vietnamese History and Culture Studies

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