Investigating The Effectiveness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Education Programmes Among Adolescents in Apam: A Case Study of Ghana Health Service and Camfed Initiatives

Abstract

Education on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is one area that is essential for the welfare of teenagers, but there are obvious disparities between the policies and the implementation processes in semi-urban areas in Ghana. Although the initiatives between the data collection organization, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) have been fruitful, the problem arising is the high prevalence of teen pregnancy, STDs, and the unavailability of youth-friendly health care in the town of Apam, where the research was carried out. This study explores the efficiency of the SRH education programs implemented in the town. The study, based on Social Cognitive Theory, the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Ecological Systems Theory, adopted a mixedmethods case study design. In this study, quantitative data was gathered with the aid of a structured questionnaire comprising questions for 196 participants, while qualitative information was gathered through in-depth interviews with participants, parents, health professionals, teachers, and programme administrators of the Ghana Health Service and CAMFED. The Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics and qualitative interpretation. It was found that SRH interventions in Apam are pedagogically solid, participatory, and well received among all stakeholders. Adolescents showed marked improvement in knowledge, self-efficacy, communication, and awareness about health services. [However, incomplete follow-through, academic pressures, and resource limitations impeded effectiveness, lack of coordination among agencies, and existing sociocultural issues such as disapproval of parents and stigma associated with the community in Apam. Despite the fact that schools remained the primary setting, the majority of out-of-school youth remained neglected. The study concludes that although the outcomes of the GHS and CAMFED programs have been positive in improving the knowledge and attitudes among the group members, efforts must be made aimed at overcoming certain challenges in the implementation process. These recommendations include incorporating SRH education in school curricula, improving coordination, scaling up community-based programs, improving facilitator performance, and scaling up community sensitization. This research piece provides significant insights into the planningimplementation gap regarding adolescent SRH interventions in Ghana, as well as in other regions with similar settings.