African Pain Medicine | 09 July 2007
School-Based Adolescent Reproductive Health Education Programmes in South African Townships: Attendance Rates and Knowledge Gains Assessment
S, i, p, h, o, M, k, h, i, z, e, ,, N, o, m, s, a, X, a, b, a, ,, M, a, m, o, k, e, t, e, M, a, t, h, e, u, s
Abstract
Adolescent reproductive health education is crucial for South African townships where access to healthcare can be limited. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-programme surveys with a convenience sample of students from four townships. Attendance data were collected using electronic tracking systems. Attendance rates improved by 20% following the programme implementation (95% CI: 15%-25%). Students demonstrated significant gains in knowledge, particularly regarding contraceptive use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The school-based reproductive health education programmes significantly enhanced both participation and understanding among adolescents. Further evaluation is needed to optimise programme content and delivery methods for maximum impact. Adolescents, Reproductive Health Education, School-Based Programmes, South Africa Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.