Sexuality Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of the Challenges and Changes Experienced by Sexuality Educators

Abstract

Abstract The implementation of sexuality education has changed dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, only two empirical studies have investigated the difficulties sexuality educators faced as they adjusted to this new educational landscape. The purpose of the present study was to expand on this research with a larger sample of sexuality educators (n = 133) from a more diverse range of employment settings and occupations. Participants responded to two open-ended questions about the changes and challenges they experienced with the implementation of their curricula due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An inductive qualitative content analysis revealed four themes: issues with remote learning, changes to pedagogical techniques and curricula, course content specific to sex/relationships during COVID-19, and reasons for cancelation or temporary suspension of curricula. The results provide important context about common obstacles experienced by sexuality educators, as well as those that only impacted specific programs or settings. The findings also highlight the ways in which educators conceptualized the pandemic as a teachable moment for sexual health. This research serves as an important reference for educators and public health officials as the downstream effects of the pandemic on sexuality education make themselves known.