Assessment of Sexual and Reproductive Health Information Needs among Middle-Aged FELDA Youths: A Focus Group Discussion and Nominal Group Technique
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Unsafe abortion, rape, and incest cases involving The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA; Malay: Lembaga Kemajuan Tanah Persekutuan) youth have been reported annually. Their distinct sociocultural context may contribute to reduced access to existing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. A local study reported a low level of SRH knowledge among Malaysian youth. This study aims to explore SRH information needed to develop a conceptual model and prioritise topics for the FELDA youth intervention.
Methods: This study used purposive sampling to recruit participants for two focus group discussions involving FELDA youth aged 18 years and above, who studied at a university in Selangor and Pulau Pinang. Semi-structured questions were used to guide the discussions until data saturation was achieved. The nominal group technique was subsequently used to prioritise topics of interest related to SRH. The sessions were recorded, transcribed, and translated into English.
Results: A total of 18 participants were involved; the majority were female, single, and Malay. All participants were pursuing undergraduate studies. Thematic analysis generated five themes, comprising 18 subthemes, and a total of 34 codes. The nominal group technique identified 13 SRH topics agreed upon for intervention. Participants suggested developing an interactive module with a catchy tagline, more illustrations, and a short duration for each topic.
Conclusion: The SRH information needs of FELDA youth were well-suited to the conceptual framework, and 13 SRH topics were prioritised for inclusion in the FELDA youth intervention project. By addressing these topics, which participants considered important and engaging, the intervention supports their intention to acquire relevant knowledge.
Article Details
Issue
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
1. World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025. [Retrieved 2025 Oct 16]. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
2. Disease Control Division. 2024 global AIDS monitoring country progress report – Malaysia. [Internet]. Putrajaya: Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2024. [Retrieved 2025 Oct 16]. Available at: https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/GAM_REPORT_2024-updated_22102024.pdf
3. Institute for Public Health. National health and morbidity survey (NHMS) 2022: adolescent health survey – key findings. [Internet]. Shah Alam: Institute for Public Health; 2022. [Retrieved 2025 Oct 16]. Available at: https://iku.gov.my/images/nhms-2022/1a_Infografic_AHS_BI_15062023.pdf
4. Bernama. Tuanku Muhriz dukacita penglibatan orang Islam dalam masalah sosial dan jenayah. [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur: Bernama; 2018 Dec 22. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.bernama.com/bm/news.php?id=1678133
5. Jalil MA. Direman 12 hari kerana sumbang mahram. [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur: Berita Harian; 2020 Feb 10. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2020/02/654388/direman-12-hari-kerana-sumbang-mahram
6. Abd Rani A. Kes gugur, tanam janin usia 17 minggu: wanita baru keluar hospital ditahan polis. [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur: Berita Harian; 2026 Mar 6. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2026/03/1517716/kes-gugur-tanam-janin-usia-17-minggu-wanita-baru-keluar-hospital-ditahan
7. Malaysia Population Research Hub. Youth: sexual education and reproduction health. [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Population Research Hub; 2023 Nov 27. [Retrieved 2025 Oct 16]. Available at: https://mprh.lppkn.gov.my/youth-sexual-education-and-reproductive-health/
8. Che Mustapa M, Hj Ismail K, Mohamad MS, Ibrahim F. Knowledge on sexuality and reproductive health of Malaysian adolescents – a short review. Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2015;211:221–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.088
9. Herrera X, Macawile R, Victoria B, Launio JK, Caranto K, Peñalba E. Cyber safe teens: a mobile serious game for raising awareness and prevention of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Int J Mob Appl Technol. 2025;1(1). https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijmat.2025.xhco.45770
10. Huang KY, Kumar M, Cheng S, Urcuyo AE, Macharia P. Applying technology to promote sexual and reproductive health and prevent gender based violence for adolescents in low and middle-income countries: digital health strategies synthesis from an umbrella review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;22:1373. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08673-0
11. MedTweetMY. MedTweetMY. [Internet]. Facebook; 2026. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/MedTweetMy/
12. Public Health Malaysia. Public Health Malaysia. [Internet]. Facebook; 2026. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/publichealthmalaysia/
13. Good Sex Ed. Good Sex Ed. [Internet]. YouTube; 2026. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/@goodsexedvlog
14. LPPKN. ACE accurate comprehensive effective sex education. [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur: Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara; 2016. [Retrieved 2026 Mar 13]. Available at: https://modulace.lppkn.gov.my/
15. Papageorgiou A, Cross D, Fisher C. Sexualized images on social media and adolescent girls’ mental health: qualitative insights from parents, school support service staff and youth mental health service providers. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(1):433. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010433
16. Sunkara J. Sexual health misinformation and potential interventions among youth on social media. The Cardinal Edge. 2021;1(1):16. https://doi.org/10.18297/tce/vol1/iss1/16
17. Gyane CO, Gmayinaan VU, Osei E. Association between social media use and adolescents’ sexual behaviours: a cross-sectional study among high school students in Drobo, Ghana. BMC Public Health. 2025;25:537. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21585-y
18. Banougnin BH, Toska E, Maughan-Brown B, Rudgard W, Hertzog L, Jochim J, et al. Associations of social media and health content use with sexual risk behaviours among adolescents in South Africa. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2023;31(4):2267893. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2023.2267893
19. Zheng S, Han M. Exploring the significance of adolescent sex education based on social media. J Educ Theor Pract. 2025;2(1). https://doi.org/10.62177/jetp.v2i1.142
20. Grant J. Learning needs assessment: assessing the need. BMJ. 2002;324:156. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7330.156
21. Abd Aziz NN, Wan Hassan WHA, Saud NA. The effects of urbanization towards social and cultural changes among Malaysian settlers in the Federal Land Development Schemes (FELDA), Johor Darul Takzim. Procedia Soc Behav Sci. 2012;68:910–920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.276
22. Mamat MZ, Ng BK, Azizan SA, Chang LW. An attempt at implementing a holistic inclusive development model: insights from Malaysia’s land settlement scheme. Asia Pac Viewp. 2016;57(1):106–120. https://doi.org/10.1111/apv.12115
23. O’Brien BC, Harris IB, Beckman TJ, Reed DA, Cook DA. Standards for reporting qualitative research: a synthesis of recommendations. Acad Med. 2014;89(9):1245–1251. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388
24. Guest G, Namey E, McKenna K. How many focus groups are enough? Building an evidence base for nonprobability sample sizes. Field Methods. 2017;29(1):3–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X16639015
25. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
26. Proudfoot K. Inductive/deductive hybrid thematic analysis in mixed methods research. J Mix Methods Res. 2023;17(3):308–326. https://doi.org/10.1177/15586898221126816
27. McLeod S. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. [Internet]. Simply Psychology; 2025. [Retrieved YYYY Mmm D]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15240897
28. Agyei FB, Kaura DK, Bell JD. Exploring the culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health information communication skill needs of parents in Ghana. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med. 2023;15(1):a4101. https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.4101
29. Jonas K, Duby Z, Maruping K, Harries J, Mathews C. Rumours, myths, and misperceptions as barriers to contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. Front Reprod Health. 2022;4:960089. https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2022.960089
30. Mbachu CO, Agu IC, Obayi C, Eze I, Ezumah N, Onwujekwe O. Beliefs and misconceptions about contraception and condom use among adolescents in south-east Nigeria. Reprod Health. 2021;18:7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-020-01062-y
31. Lafontan SR, Jones F, Lama N. Exploring comprehensive sexuality education experiences and barriers among students, teachers and principals in Nepal: a qualitative study. Reprod Health. 2024;21:131. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01876-0
32. Simmons K, Llewellyn C, Bremner S, Gilleece Y, Norcross C, Iwuji C. The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40–65 years) in high-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. Womens Health. 2024;20:1–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057241277723
33. Silva M, Kassegne S, Nagbe RHY, Babogou L, Ezouatchi R, Ado AL, et al. Changing the script: intergenerational communication about sexual and reproductive health in Niamey, Niger. J Health Commun. 2022;27(10):755–763. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2022.2160527
34. Kumar M, Mutahi J, Kangwana B. Leave no one behind: integrated sexual and reproductive, mental health and psychosocial programming for not in employment, education or training (NEET) adolescents and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health. 2023;8(8):e013394. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013394
35. Low J, Nishikawa Y, Takahashi Y, Toyama M, Fisher CM, Low WY, et al. How Malaysian adolescents navigate sexual health information on the Internet. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2025;37(1):126–133. https://doi.org/10.1177/10105395241299919
36. Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS, Singh S, Khobragade R, Moon S. Role of social media applications in improving sexual health awareness and reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases among adults. J Midlife Health. 2025;16(3):340–343. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_107_25
37. Borji-Navan S, Maleki N, Keramat A. Efficacy of digital health interventions used for adolescent’s sexual health: an umbrella review. Health Sci Rep. 2024;7(12):e70212. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70212
38. de los Monteros PBPE, Martinez GEV, del Carmen Flores-Acosta C, López JAS, Lopez AG, Arce NAW, et al. Sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents: opportunities and challenges in the social media era. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2025;38(2):281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2025.01.138
39. Luo Y, Mohamad EMW, Azlan AA, Li Y. How social media affects sexual and reproductive health communication: a systematic literature review (2019–2023). Pak J Life Soc Sci. 2024;22(2):3539–3554. https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.00261
40. Mertens DM, Hesse-Biber S. Triangulation and mixed methods research: provocative positions. J Mix Methods Res. 2012;6(2):75–79. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689812437100
41. Uzorka A, Odebiyi OA. Impact of digital learning tools on student engagement and achievement. J Digit Learn Distance Educ. 2025;4(1):1436–1445. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v4i1.511
42. Albert Sekhar M, Edward S, Grace A, Pricilla SE, G S. Understanding comprehensive sexuality education: a worldwide narrative review. Cureus. 2024;16(11):e74788. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.74788
43. Ediae AA, Chikwe CF, Kuteesa KN. Empowering youth through sexuality and leadership education: approaches and outcomes. World J Adv Res Rev. 2024;22(1):1250–1265. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.1.1214