Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia b) Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
2
Professor, Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
10.22038/jmrh.2024.71906.2106
Abstract
Background & aim: Sexual and reproductive health education (SRHE) helps adolescents to avoid risky sexual behaviors such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. However, it is frequently said that school-based SRHE is insufficient and uneven. This study was intended to explore school teachers, students and health care workers perceptions on the current delivery of SRHE and its challenges in Ethiopia.
Methods: The study was conducted using conventional content analysis of qualitative approach in Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. Overall, 36 participants were involved in the study. Among these, 24 were students took part in focus group discussions and 12 key informants who participated in in-depth-interview. The data were collected using pretested and semi-structured interview guides. The interviews were then all tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Guba and Lincoln (1985) criteria were used to achieve trustworthiness. The data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection using Atlas.ti 8 software.
Results: The main themes emerged included 1) current school-based SRHE consisted of sub-themes of curriculum contents, teaching approach and students’ knowledge of SRHE., 2) implementation obstacles of SRHE including subthemes of dealing with teachers’ confidence, lack of resources/reading materials, cultural and religious barrier sand discomfort with sexual health terminology and 3) suggestion to improve SRHE comprising subthemes of health promotion policies, creation supportive environments and avoiding obstacles.
Conclusion: The status of school based SRHE is insufficient due to various factors. Policymakers and program managers are advised to incorporate comprehensive SRHE within the normal school curriculum and work on capacity building of teachers through training.
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