The Sexpairs research-action project explores how the Internet and digital technology can be used to promote sexual health among young people, raising reflections on professional positioning and reaching specific audiences such as people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses.
Key Findings
Background
The Sexpairs project was developed to promote young people's sexual health using Internet and digital technology as delivery mechanisms.
The project is described as a 'research-action' initiative, combining research with practical health promotion activities.
Digital technology and the Internet were identified as potentially relevant tools for sexuality education among young people.
The project addresses young people's emotional and sexual lives as areas requiring effective health promotion.
Results
The Sexpairs project raised specific reflections on how professionals should position themselves in digital sexual health promotion.
The project prompted consideration of professional positioning when delivering sexual health education through digital means.
Questions arose about how to effectively reach certain underserved audiences through digital sexuality education.
People with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses were identified as specific populations requiring targeted approaches within the project.
Discussion
Young people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses were identified as a population requiring special consideration in digital sexual health promotion efforts.
The project specifically identified this group as a distinct audience that may not be adequately reached by standard digital health promotion approaches.
The inclusion of this population reflects recognition that standard sexuality education may not address their specific needs.
No specific quantitative data were reported in the abstract regarding the size or characteristics of this subgroup.
What This Means
This article describes a French research project called 'Sexpairs' that investigates how the internet and digital tools can be used to teach young people about sexual health and relationships. The project recognizes that young people's emotional and sexual lives are an important area for public health, and that digital platforms may be especially well-suited for reaching this age group with relevant information and education.
Beyond simply using technology as a delivery tool, the project also prompted deeper reflection on how healthcare and education professionals should approach their role in digital sexual health promotion. A notable concern raised by the project was how to effectively reach young people who are often overlooked in standard health education — particularly those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, who may have distinct needs and face additional barriers to accessing sexual health information.
This research suggests that digital health promotion for young people's sexual wellbeing is a promising but complex field, requiring professionals to thoughtfully consider both their methods and the diversity of the audiences they serve. The inclusion of marginalized groups, such as young people with disabilities, points to the importance of designing inclusive approaches that go beyond one-size-fits-all sexual health education.
Martin P, Husson M, Vivet N. (2025). [Sexpairs research-action to promote young people's sexual health via the Internet and digital technology].. Soins; la revue de reference infirmiere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soin.2024.12.011