Basic knowledge of Adolescents on Sex, Sexuality, Sexual and Reproductive Health: The Case of Burayu Preparatory School
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Adolescents and young people represent the future of every society. In
order to enable the young to be responsible and productive citizen, it is
essential to cultivate with better education including information on sex,
sexuality and sexual and reproductive health issues to equip them with
better life skills and attitudes for their adult life.
A study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude level of
students on Sex, Sexuality and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) in
Burayu preparatory school, Oromia National Regional State. Five basic
questions established and a research methodology suitable to the basic
questions has been designed and informants were identified.
Instruments including questionnaire and desk interview items developed
and pilot tested before distributed to informants. The knowledge and
attitude of students, attitude and readiness of school teachers as well as
the opinion of principals and the town educational office personnel has
been gathered, organized and analyzed.
The findings of the study in relations to the basic questions shown that
over 80% of the students have basic orientation on sex, sexuality and
sexual and reproductive health. However, student’s practical application
in avoiding problems related to SRH was found to be insufficient. The
study also disclosed low level of readiness among teachers to help
students on SRH related contents. Furthermore, about 40% of school
teachers are not confident enough on their SRH knowledge to teach
students; indicating the need to provide SRH related contents in
teacher’s training colleges and universities.
Students and other informants preferred body in informing SRH issues
are parents, health professionals and school teachers. Significant
proportion of students are also strongly considered parents are the most
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appropriate ones to assist them when problems related to SRH has
occurred. Health professionals and school teachers took the next rank.
The current Ethiopian school curriculum does not sufficiently treat SRH
contents. Hence, students cannot acquire essential knowledge, attitude
and skill required for future life. It is of a great value if the Ministry of
Education incorporate SRH related contents in the curriculum both in
depth and scope.
The school under study did not establish SRH club in this and the
previous academic years. Hence, the students cannot get assembled
under the umbrella of the club and become equipped with informed
decision-making practices for their future life. Services on SRH issues
like counseling and guidance, safest corner for girls to keep personal
hygiene during menstruation including the necessary materials at the
school compound are not prepared. The in availability of such facilities
obliged girls to stay at home due to fear of the improperly managed
discharge. The researcher would like to remind the school principals and
other concerned bodies to prepare such facilities in the school
compound.
The existing students basic orientation on SRH related issues need to be
supported and improved through school-based interventions, parents’
involvement and the joint actions of other concerned bodies.
KEYWORDS: - Burayu preparatory school, Sex, Sexuality, Sexual and
Reproductive Health, Teenage Pregnancy
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Keywords
Burayu, Preparatory School, Sex, Sexuality, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Teenage Pregnancy