Adolescent Reproductive Health Education: Insights from a Mixed-Methods Evaluation of an Intervention Program

Abstract

Introduction

Adolescence is a significant period for mental, emotional, and psychological development. This period represents a window of opportunity to prepare for healthy adult life. Adolescents lack the services that respond to their distinctive needs. Interventions for children very often focus on the younger ages; adolescents ‘age out’ of paediatric health care and they are often unreached by programs for adults.

Objectives: 1. To assess knowledge of the students and teachers regarding reproductive health before and after the intervention.2. To assess the utility and acceptability of the intervention module

Methodology: The study had a mixed model design. An interventional study was done to assess the baseline knowledge and post-intervention knowledge regarding reproductive health among students and teachers using a single comprehensive module. A qualitative study was done to acceptability and utility of the intervention module.

Results: There was a significant difference in the mean score among boys and girls pre- and post-health education. 75.8% (376) of the girls had a good increase in the knowledge with more than six points increase in the score. Girls had low level of knowledge regarding safe touch and menstrual hygiene. The difficulty index for the girl’s module was found to be 2.78 out of 10 and for the boys' module, it was found to be 2.77 out of 10.

Conclusion: Life skills Education and Health Promotion module is a single module which addresses the need of the adolescents.  The reproductive health of adolescents is important for a healthy life and future