A recent study conducted in three public universities has shed light on a concerning issue regarding the sexual and reproductive health practices among adolescents. The study, carried out between 2018 and 2021, focused on selected universities representing different regions of the country: the University for Development Studies (UDS) for the northern zone, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for the middle zone, and the UPSA for the southern zone.
The findings revealed a startling statistic: a staggering 93 percent of sexually active adolescents in these universities do not utilize contraceptives, despite 80 percent of them having basic knowledge of adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) issues. The study, which involved 675 university respondents, also highlighted that over half of the participants were sexually active and had sexual partners.
These results emphasized the urgent need for increased attention from university authorities and policymakers regarding the sexual reproductive health needs of adolescents in public universities. The study, led by Dr. Gifty Ekua Merdiemah, a Research Fellow and Clinical Trials Coordinator at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), was presented at a workshop organized by the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) in collaboration with UGMC and the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER).
One of the key conclusions drawn from the study was the necessity for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop policies and programs that address the SRH needs of adolescents in public universities. Dr. Merdiemah stressed the importance of providing well-structured ASRH orientation programs and establishing adolescent health corners at strategic locations within the universities, offering a wide range of SRH services.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the critical role of sex education in schools, pointing out that the existing programs were often inadequate. Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny from ISSER, who presented another study titled "Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana: a qualitative study," emphasized the need to enhance sex education by providing comprehensive and age-specific programs in educational institutions. Additionally, she stressed the importance of training teachers and health staff to deliver relevant sex education and making affordable and non-judgmental SRH services readily available to adolescents.
Reacting to the study's findings, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central, called for the multiplication of accessible areas where adolescents can obtain information and services that can support their well-being.
In conclusion, the study's revelations serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to prioritize adolescent sexual and reproductive health. By implementing the recommended policies, programs, and comprehensive sex education initiatives, it is hoped that adolescents in public universities will receive the support they need to navigate this crucial aspect of their lives and transition into adulthood with greater knowledge and autonomy.
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