Adolescents Reproductive Health Education and its Effect on in-School Adolescents in Ejisu Juaben Municipality, Ghana.

Abstract

Identification of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of the adolescent constitute an important component of the efforts to saving the lives of mothers, newborn babies and children. Teenage pregnancy is estimated to have increased from 13.4% in 2005 to 14.5% in 2007, from antenatal reports in the Ejisu Juaben municipality. We assessed adolescent knowledge on SRH and its association with the intention of the adolescent to make informed choices in their SRH behavior in the Ejisu Juaben municipality. The study objectives were to determine the level of knowledge of adolescents on SRH and what constitute a risky behavior, to find their current and preferred sources of information on SRH and to access attitudes of adolescents towards community ideals. This cross-sectional study, sampled 365 in- school adolescents aged 10-19 years. Structured questionnaires were administered to respondents. Some of the key findings were low levels of knowledge on sexual and reproductive health issues like the menstrual cycle and how pregnancy can occur (26.5 %),what is safe sex (30.7%) and STI”s(60.3%) and risky behavior, preference of school (39.3%) and parents (30.5%) as sources of information. Adolescent’s attitudes towards premarital sex (89.6%, answered yes) and (17.6 %) were sexually active and (18.6%) had ever taken alcohol. Peer pressure and attitude of parents towards the adolescent at home were seen by adolescent as risk factors for engaging in a risky behavior. The study suggests the need for the district health administration to promote further collaboration, to provide funding and support for programmes. All stakeholders interested in ASRH should introduce and improve initiatives that involve adolescents, in creating awareness in schools, health facilities, churches, community centers, homes and other places. These educational activities should encourage all individuals to be active participant in the drawing and implementation of the programme. Keywords: Adolescents, sexual and reproductive health, health education, cross-sectional, Ejisu Juaben, Ghana