Beyond testing and contraception: social strategies for sexual wellbeing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Central Queensland

This paper identifies the collective resources and strategies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth draw upon to build safe and respectful sexual relationships. Interviews and a focus group were conducted with 26 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16–30 years. Participants described a range of social and relational strategies for managing sexual wellbeing including the careful selection of partners; careful management of privacy and reputation; and, drawing on peer and community networks for information, advice and practical support such as facilitating access to contraception and STI testing. The most innovative interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are those that build on these existing collective care practices, working in collaboration with young people themselves to support culturally responsive and effective health promotion. Interventions that adopt a holistic understanding of health and engage with young people’s social networks and community contexts can offer effective sexual health protection.