Adolescent reproductive health; knowledge and practices in Ejisu-Juaben

Good reproductive health is vital to the prospects of the individual as well as the community. With accurate information, an adolescent can complete her education, a couple can choose the size of their family and a community can prevent outbreaks of sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of the research was to find out adolescent knowledge and practices on their reproductive health in Ejisu-Juaben district. The study had a current cross-sectional descriptive design, which utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess adolescent reproductive health; knowledge and practices among in school and out-of school adolescents in Ejisu-Juaben District. Focus Group Discussions (FGDS) were conducted within the study area from mid June to mid August 2005. Information collected was transcribed and used to develop a structured questionnaire comprising both open and close-ended questions which were used to conduct person —to-person interviews. In all, 256 adolescents (15-24 years) took part in the interviews and FGDs. It was found that 74% of in-school respondents and 65% out -of -school adolescents had lapses in understanding sexuality. Nearly all respondents 83% stated poverty as one of the causes of adolescent pregnancy. The prevalence of abortion as stated by in-school and out-of-school adolescents were the same; 53% in both cases. Adolescents had a fairly good knowledge about the existence of STIs. Almost all, 95% in school and 83% out-of school adolescents had heard of at least one STI, the most common infections mentioned were HIV/AIDS (84%) and gonorrhea (65%) correspondingly. In adding up the percentages of both groups, the main sources of information mentioned were the mass media (65%) and peer discussion (5 8%) respectively. Three percent (3%) of in-school adolescents indicated they have ever been treated for STI, 2 % was at the hospital and 1% was by self-medication. In out-of-school respondents 9% claimed they were treated of an STI. Five percent had treatment at the hospital, 1% was by an herbalist, 2% at a drug store and the remaining 1% by self- medication. Virtually all respondents’ 48% in- school, 34% out-of-school adolescents knew the condom as a contraceptive method. Contraceptive usage among in-school adolescents was 45% for users while among out- of-school respondents contraceptive users were only 23%. The condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method mentioned by in-school and out-of-school respondents. Knowledge on where to obtain contraceptives was very high 84% and 96% was indicated for in-school out-of-school adolescents respectively. Pharmacy shops were regular places for the purchase of contraceptives, in-school adolescents recorded 36% and out-of-school adolescents recorded 47%. Also mentioned were the hospitals, which had 27% among in- school adolescents and as low as 6% in out-of school-adolescent respondents. The study concluded that sexual health knowledge and practices among in- school adolescent respondents was fairly good. However, there is the need to intensify education especially among out-of-school adolescents.

Source: KNUST