The Fuzzy Delphi Method was used to develop and validate a culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health framework for Malaysia, resulting in 34 accepted criteria across four dimensions that prioritize culturally relevant factors shaping SRH communication.
Of 36 proposed criteria for a culturally sensitive SRH framework, 34 were accepted by the expert panel and categorized into four dimensions.
Criterion A6, stating that 'SRH provider should encourage those who have strayed to seek repentance,' was excluded from the framework.
Criterion C1, emphasizing men as the focal point for SRH education, was excluded from the validated framework.
The lack of a culturally sensitive SRH framework in Malaysia has contributed to misguided approaches and low acceptance of sexual education programs.
The FDM analysis prioritized culturally relevant criteria that shape SRH communication, producing a framework intended to guide educators and policymakers.
This research suggests that sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education programs in Malaysia have struggled partly because they lack a framework that is sensitive to the country's cultural and religious context. To address this, researchers interviewed 31 parents and reviewed an existing parenting sexuality module to identify potential guidelines, then used a structured expert validation process called the Fuzzy Delphi Method to determine which guidelines should be included in a new framework. Out of 36 proposed criteria, 34 were accepted by the expert panel and grouped into four categories. Two criteria were rejected because experts did not reach sufficient agreement on them: one that suggested SRH educators should encourage people who have 'strayed' to seek repentance, and one that placed men as the central focus of SRH education. The rejection of these two criteria is noteworthy, as it suggests that experts did not view moralistic language or a male-centered approach as essential to a culturally appropriate framework. This research matters because it offers a validated, evidence-based set of guidelines specifically designed for the Malaysian cultural context, where religious and social norms heavily influence how sexual health topics are received. The resulting framework could help educators and policymakers design SRH programs that are more likely to be accepted and effective within the community, potentially improving health outcomes related to sexual and reproductive health in Malaysia.
Abdul Hamid S, Ellin M, Mohd Arifin S, Hasan H, Othman S, Mohd Zain N, et al.. (2026). Developing a Culturally Sensitive Framework for Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: Validating With the Fuzzy Delphi Method.. Journal of transcultural nursing : official journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/10436596251394358