Closing Knowledge Gaps and Shaping Attitudes in Mozambican Public Schools: An Evaluation of Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Curricula in Côte d'Ivoire

Adolescent reproductive health education in schools is crucial for promoting knowledge and positive attitudes among young people in developing countries. In Côte d'Ivoire, curricula have been implemented to address gaps in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge. However, the efficacy of these programmes in Mozambican public schools remains underexplored. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among high school students in Mozambique, collecting data on their current knowledge levels regarding SRH topics and their attitudes toward these issues. The sample size included 500 students from different regions of Mozambique. Data analysis revealed that 42% of participants had significant gaps in understanding key SRH concepts such as contraception methods and HIV prevention strategies, indicating a need for more comprehensive education programmes. The findings suggest that existing curricula are not effectively closing knowledge gaps or altering attitudes towards adolescent reproductive health issues. Recommendations include the integration of interactive teaching methods and community-based interventions to enhance educational outcomes. Schools should adopt innovative teaching strategies, such as role-playing sessions and guest speaker presentations, to improve student engagement with SRH topics. Additionally, partnerships between schools and local communities can facilitate a more holistic approach to SRH education.