Contact person: Dr Kathleen England

Background

On the 26th of November 2010, the National Sexual Health Policy for the Maltese Islands was launched. In view of the multifaceted and complex nature of sexual health, the working definition adopted in this policy is that “sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. It requires a positive, respectful approach to sexuality and relationships and the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled” (WHO, 2006). The aim of the National Sexual Health Policy was to inform and direct the development of a comprehensive evidence based national sexual health strategy for the attainment of maximum health and wellbeing of all the population.

On the 7th of November 2011, a year after the release of the National Sexual Health Policy, the National Sexual Health Strategy was launched. The strategy was built in line with the definitions, principles and objectives outlined in the policy. Developed through workshops and feedback from experts consulted, the strategy aims to address the this multifaceted definition of sexual health. The participation and contribution of all entities, sectors, groups and representatives of the entire population helped towards the development of the strategy.
Both the policy and the strategy reiterate the need for comprehensive evidence about the local situation in relation to sexual health through research. In light of this, this survey was designed to assess the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the Maltese population. This evidence specifically relating to Maltese population, will provide policy makers and service providers with important information on how to assess, adapt and develop targeted services and campaigns.

For further information, the policy and strategy documents can be accessed on the following links:

The national sexual health policy for the Maltese Islands

National sexual health strategy

Aims and objectives

The main aim of this survey was to determine the sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices of the resident Maltese population aged 16 to 40 years. The questionnaire collected information on:

– Sex education
– Knowledge and attitudes about sexual health and towards sexual behaviour
– Personal experiences
– Usage and desired features of sexual health services
– Demographics

Methodology

The survey employed a cross sectional population based study design using a paper based questionnaire. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, a self-reported questionnaire was used and it took 20 minutes on average for each respondent to complete.

The questionnaire for this survey was designed following consultation with experts in the field to assess the specific needs for a survey on this topic in Malta. The questionnaire was adapted mainly from two sources – a WHO instrument developed as a template for researchers to develop a survey on sexual and reproductive behaviour amongst young people, and a national longitudinal survey on sexual health conducted in Northern Ireland.

For the 16 to 18 year old age group, all five sections were included in the questionnaire while for those aged 19 to 40 the section on sex education was excluded. It was decided that questions about how youth acquire their information about sexual and reproductive health should only be addressed to the youngest age group, since this reflects the present experience of sex education in Malta.

Verbal consent was obtained by the interviewers prior to administering the questionnaire to participants. The aim of the study was explained to participants and emphasis was made on the fact that participation was voluntary and the information collected was anonymous and confidential. Ethical approval to conduct this survey among 16 – 18 year olds without seeking parental consent was obtained through the Health Ethics Committee.

The fieldwork for this study was conducted in spring 2012 across all regions in Malta and Gozo.

Project Team

Ms. Doris Baldacchino, Ms Pauline Belia, Dr. Alexia Bezzina, Mr Stephen Buhagiar, Dr. Neville Calleja, Mr. Joseph Cassar, Ms. Desirée D’Amato, Ms. Audrey Galea, Ms. Dorothy Gauci, Ms. Marianne Gauci, Ms. Maryanne Mallia, Ms. Emenda Moore, Dr. Amanda Saliba, Mr. Louis Xuereb.

Report

The final report for this survey can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour – National Survey Malta 2012

Sexual Health Information and Services

Should you require information on sexual health and the services available in Malta, please consult the following website: www.sexualhealth.gov.mt