Action Research Addressing the Implementation of Life Skills Education on Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (Teenage Pregnancy, Sexual Activities, STIs, HIV/AIDs) for the Positive Behavioural Outcome

Sexual health is a serious public health concern with long-term implications on health and fertility. Improving the sexual health of our teenagers and preventing teenage pregnancy is a national priority that the current government of Bhutan with the help of concern stakeholders aim to reduce teenage conception rate and sexually transmitted infections by 2022 to the minimum. If we are to achieve this ambitious target, parents, teachers and paediatricians need to consider the sexual health needs of our teenage population and recognize times where we are able to offer advice, screening or signposting. As increasing number of Bhutanese youths are becoming victim of teenage pregnancy and STIs. The study was aimed to make awareness to our youth to improve their understanding on adolescent reproductive sexual health (teenage pregnancy, sexual activities STIs, HIV/AIDs) for positive behavioural outcome. Therefore, imparting applicable life skills education to our young minds has become indispensable to curb the aforementioned issues. The study was carried out in Ura Central School, Bhutan. The participants of the study consisted of 61 studying in class VIII and X and 25 teachers. The study adopted mixed method; quantitative approach included survey whereas for qualitative approach included semi-structured interview. Survey data were collected from 61 students and 25 teachers whereas interview data were collected from 10 students and 5 teachers. The study found the intervention (awareness programme via teaching, roleplay, discussion) effective with students in the post-data showing better understanding of the students regarding teenage pregnancy, sexual activities and STIs.

Introduction

Women require contraceptive and reproductive/sexual health care from menarche to menopause. An holistic approach to care enables women of all ages to make effective and safe choices regarding contraceptive methods, managing sexually transmitted infections/human immuno–deficiency virus (STI/HIV), unplanned pregnancy care, or pregnancy care within the community and other specialist services provided by health professionals. The multidisciplinary team comprises: Consultants in Reproductive and Sexual Health), GPs, sessional doctors, nurse consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, nurses, midwives, health visitors, pharmacists, health advisors, associates, healthcare assistants, counsellors, client support workers (CSWs), and receptionists providing client-centred care.

Effects of Health Counseling on the Level of Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Sexual Health in AL-Huda MTs Students

Abortion, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are also a problem of adolescent sexual health in the world (WHO, 2015). This data shows that the number has increased every year. Increased sexual health problems also occur in cases of abortion, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The importance of knowledge about reproductive health, adolescents need to get enough information, so that they know what should be done and which should be avoided. Besides, with a good knowledge of sexual health, will form a positive attitude towards sexual health. This study aims to determine the effect of health education on the level of knowledge and attitudes about sexual health in MTs AL-Huda students. One group pretest-posttest design research design is the pre-experimental design type. A total population of 128 with a sample of 97 respondents employing purposive sampling and research instruments was a questionnaire. The results of univariate studies before health education for knowledge were 24 good (24.7%), 39 adequate (40.2%), 34 poor (35.1%) and attitudes of 36 positive (37.1%) and 61 negative ( 62.9%). After health education for knowledge, 62 were good (63.9%), 33 were sufficient (34.0%) and 2 were less (2.1%) while for attitudes namely, 78 were positive (80.4%) and 19 were negative (19, 6%), bivariate results with the Wilcoxon test (ρ = 0,000 <α = 0.05), it was concluded that there were significant differences between knowledge and attitudes before and after health education. It is recommended to improve the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents through health education, especially in maintaining and maintaining reproductive/sexual health.