Assessment of Life Skills Based Reproductive and Sexual Health Interventions on Sexual Health of Adolescent Girls in Selected Elementary Schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess effectiveness of life skills-based reproductive and sexual health education for adolescent girls in three selected primary schools in Addis Ababa. The study investigated whether a difference exist in reproductive health knowledge and behaviour of female pupils that have participated and those who have not participated in programmes on life skills-based reproductive and sexual health interventions in those primary schools in Addis Ababa. The study population was comprised of 60 girl pupils aged 14 to 17 years who had attended the school-based reproductive and sexual health education (ARSH) programmes and life skills peer learning sessions in the two Sub Cities of Addis Ababa. The data were coded and analyzed using the SPSS 19 software. During the data analysis, the researcher used descriptive statistics, like frequencies and percentages. The results of the survey demonstrate that in general the RSH programs actually reduced sexual behaviour, either by significantly delaying the initiation of sex, reducing the frequency of sex, or reducing the number of sexual partners. There is a great lack of information and knowledge among non-RSH education participating girl school adolescents on sexuality, contraception, and HIV/AIDS and several misconceptions abound. In the light of the findings, useful suggestions and recommendations were made.