Action Research Addressing the Implementation of Life Skills Education on Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (Teenage Pregnancy, Sexual Activities, STIs, HIV/AIDs) for the Positive Behavioural Outcome

Abstract

Sexual health is a serious public health concern with long-term implications on health and fertility. Improving the sexual health of our teenagers and preventing teenage pregnancy is a national priority that the current government of Bhutan with the help of concern stakeholders aim to reduce teenage conception rate and sexually transmitted infections by 2022 to the minimum. If we are to achieve this ambitious target, parents, teachers and paediatricians need to consider the sexual health needs of our teenage population and recognize times where we are able to offer advice, screening or signposting. As increasing number of Bhutanese youths are becoming victim of teenage pregnancy and STIs. The study was aimed to make awareness to our youth to improve their understanding on adolescent reproductive sexual health (teenage pregnancy, sexual activities STIs, HIV/AIDs) for positive behavioural outcome. Therefore, imparting applicable life skills education to our young minds has become indispensable to curb the aforementioned issues. The study was carried out in Ura Central School, Bhutan. The participants of the study consisted of 61 studying in class VIII and X and 25 teachers. The study adopted mixed method; quantitative approach included survey whereas for qualitative approach included semi-structured interview. Survey data were collected from 61 students and 25 teachers whereas interview data were collected from 10 students and 5 teachers. The study found the intervention (awareness programme via teaching, roleplay, discussion) effective with students in the post-data showing better understanding of the students regarding teenage pregnancy, sexual activities and STIs.