O-109 Reproductive health education: collaborative design of a learning platform for secondary school education involving reproductive health experts, pupils, and teachers
Authors: Delbaere I , Mertes H , Pening D , Condorelli M , Merckx M , Bogaerts A , Stoop D , De Vos M 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Which reproductive health information do pupils miss in their education and what is the optimal way of building a learning platform to close that gap?

Summary answer

Teachers and students alike would welcome a novel fertility education platform. Ideally, the platform should organize information based on the educational objectives for enhanced usability.

What is known already

Research on fertility awareness in the general population reveals lack of understanding among young people regarding crucial aspects of reproductive health, for example the age-related impact on fertility. Literature suggests that this knowledge gap should be addressed through diverse channels, including schools. Presently, school sexual education predominantly concentrates on preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Notably, the updated educational objectives in Flemish Secondary Education have recently incorporated the influence of lifestyle factors on fertility. Consequently, teachers have been urged to create novel instructional materials centered on this crucial theme.

Study design, size, duration

This mixed-method observational study encompassed a baseline measurement with open and closed questions among 1700 third-grade secondary education pupils. Additionally, it involved focus group discussions with 6 teachers and 24 pupils. The baseline measurement occurred between February and April 2022, while the focus group interviews took place in April and May 2022.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A baseline measurement examined the knowledge of secondary school pupils aged between 15 and 19 years in Flanders (Belgium), explored current sexual education topics, their evaluations, and preferences for future reproductive health education. Focus group discussions investigated optimal delivery methods and structural frameworks for fertility learning materials.

Main results and the role of chance

Survey results revealed that most pupils desired more information on reproductive issues, with some expressing a preference for a dedicated weekly course. Over 50% noted the absence of discussions about infertility, IVF, and egg freezing topics in school and expressed a desire for more information, a sentiment that was echoed in the focus groups with pupils.

Teachers, in their focus groups, favored an online platform with structured teaching materials aligned with learning goals. With anticipated new learning goals by September 2023, teachers welcomed fertility-specific learning materials. Their preference went out to versatile resources (videos, quizzes, infographics) rather than ready-made courses or presentations, providing flexibility in lesson integration.

Considering these insights, the following platform was developed: www.allesovervruchtbaarheid.be/en. Ongoing refinement occurred through workshops where teachers provided feedback for further enhancements to meet their instructional needs.

Limitations, reasons for caution

A limited number of motivated teachers participated in the focus group discussions. Structured feedback collection has not taken place yet but is scheduled for February 2024.

Wider implications of the findings

Implementing fertility education in secondary schools poses challenges due to an overloaded curriculum. The introduction of new learning goals, including one on the impact of lifestyle on fertility, provided an opportune momentum to integrate a fertility education learning platform.

Trial registration number

not applicable