The Role of Adolescent School Health Clubs on Sex And Condom Use among Junior High School Students in the Tema East Submetropolis

Abstract

Background: Negative outcomes pertaining to sexual and reproductive health such as teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, STI’s and HIV/AIDS can have devastating effects on education, physical and psychosocial wellbeing of adolescents. Various studies in adolescent reproductive health show that school-based programs have potential for improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Ghana began the Adolescent Health Clubs (AHC) in 2014 to help improve outcomes regarding sexual and reproductive health of adolescents but the incidence of teenage pregnancy and conditions such as HIV and STI’s are high among adolescents in the Tema East Sub-Metropolis compared to the other Sub-Metropolitan areas within the Tema Metropolis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of adolescent health clubs on sex and condom use among junior high school students in the Tema East Sub-Metropolis. The study hypothesised that there will be differences in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding sex and condom use between students in schools with AHC’s and students in schools without AHC’s. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used with data collected using a questionnaire which was modified from a combination of previously validated questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA 15. Chi square tests, Fisher’s Exact tests as well as one-way analysis of variance were used in the analysis.