SAFESEXANDU: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

• Published in: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 738 - 739
• Main Authors: Thomas, Kaitlin, Goetz, Virginia, Hilland, Jamie, Manz, Joren, (Amy) Jo, Sung Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.05.2019
• ISSN: 1701-2163
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.02.252

Students report engaging in high-risk behaviors including multiple sex partners, unprotected sex, and substance use during sex. These behaviors expose students to an increased risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs. The goal of the Safe Sex and U campaign at the University of Alberta (UofA) was to prioritize STI awareness and testing on campus, reduce the stigma around STI testing, increase knowledge surrounding effective contraception, and provide educational materials and tools to assist in promotional efforts and events. The UofA team lead a variety of in-person promotional events, creative social media messaging and advertising, and formed many meaningful partnerships. Activities involved setting up interactive and informative booths around campus that highlighted different issues including HPV prevention, contraception, STIs, and consent. Instagram and Facebook were used to disseminate campaign messaging to a broader audience. Campaign information and messaging reached over 3000 students during the period of September 2018-February 2019. The team established an effective method of distributing over 4000 condoms in the form of packages that included candy and promotional/informational material. Sustainable partnerships with eight campus and community organizations were developed to further increase our reach and impact. Challenges included encountering difficulties in measuring the increase in STI testing on campus as a result of campaign activities, due to logistical complications and barriers at the student health center. Lesson learned involved developing strategies to increase condom distribution and student comfort in approaching the campaign booth at events.