Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices among Senior High Schools Adolescents in the Ketu South Municipality
Samuel Kwame Amoako Asirifi
*
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Hawa Malechi
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
Dabuoh Augustine Kwabena
Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Adolescents make around 21.9% of Ghana's population. For this and other reasons, they are critical for national growth. Adolescents' sexual and reproductive health matters, in particular, are a substantial impediment to reaching their full potential. These difficulties include early coitarche, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unexpected conceptions, unsafe abortions, various forms of abuse, and dropping out. The study intended to get a better knowledge of the reproductive health awareness that adolescents face.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with 180 students from secondary schools in the Ketu-South Municipality, to assess their reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices. Structured questionnaires were the means of data collection. The population comprised of 180 students from the selected schools.
Results: According to the report, there is a high level of knowledge about reproductive health (75.5%). The most popular source of reproductive health information was school teachers (87.4%). This was followed by health care workers. Religious institutions were the least common source of reproductive health knowledge (25.3%). Majority (97) of the students were sexually active and only 50 of them representing 52% used any form of contraception. Males (64.1%) were more sexually active.
Conclusion: The study concluded that although knowledge in the area was adequate, challenges in achieving higher results still existed. It was recommended that improved knowledge on modern contraceptive techniques, as well as advocating for increased support from school instructors, parents, peers, health care providers, and religious leaders, will aid in improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health results.
Keywords: Adolescent, sexual and reproductive health, knowledge, attitude, practice