African Epidemiology Research (Clinical/Biostats focus) | 12 January 2005
Meta-Analysis of School-Based Youth Empowerment Programmes on Adolescent Sexual Health Knowledge in Southern Ghana: A Synthesis ofStudies
A, m, m, a, A, d, j, e, i, ,, Y, a, w, G, y, a, m, f, i, ,, K, o, f, i, A, g, y, e, m, a, n
Abstract
Adolescent sexual health knowledge is crucial in Southern Ghana's schools, where gender-based violence (GBV) affects young people disproportionately. A systematic search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies published between and . Studies were assessed for methodological quality using established criteria, and data were synthesized through a meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed an average effect size of $r = 0.35$ (95% CI: [0.28, 0.43]) indicating significant improvements in sexual health knowledge among participants who received empowerment programmes compared to controls. The meta-analysis supports the efficacy of school-based youth empowerment programmes in promoting sexual health knowledge and GBV awareness among adolescents in Southern Ghana. Schools should consider implementing these programmes, with further research needed on long-term impacts and sustainability strategies.