School of Global & Public Health

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Browsing School of Global & Public Health by Author "Banda Latif, Esther"

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    Catch them young: Assessment of implementation of sexuality education for very young adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years in Lilongwe, Malawi
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2020-10-01) Banda Latif, Esther
    Despite the introduction of sexuality education (SE) in primary schools in Malawi, a significant number of very young adolescents still experience early marriages, high teenage pregnancies and high school drop-outs. The extent to which SE is being provided is not known. This study aimed at assessing implementation of SE in rural primary schools in Lilongwe District. This was a qualitative case study, which purposively selected three schools with registered high school drop-out numbers due to teenage pregnancies in Chowo Education Zone. We conducted 12 Focus Group Discussions with very young adolescents aged between 10-14 years, 20 parents and 8 religious/traditional leaders. We also conducted in-depth interviews with 12 teachers, to explore their perception towards sexuality education. In addition, we reviewed Education and Curriculum documents and conducted classroom observations. We used thematic content approach to analyze all the collected data. Most very young adolescents knew sexuality as boy/girl sexual relationships, and described the importance of SE in prevention of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, some out of school Very Young Adolescents (VYAs) expressed lack of knowledge about sexuality issues. There were mixed reactions on how study participants perceived SE provided in primary schools; Some participants supported the teaching of SE in schools while others, mostly traditional and religious leaders felt SE in schools is not culturally and age appropriate. During classes, most teachers were observed to be uncomfortable in teaching SE; they lamented the lack of skills and resources, culture, religion as barriers to effective implementation of SE. Comprehensive sexuality education in Chowo education zone is not implemented according to the International Technical Guidance for Sexuality Education, 2018. Comprehensive sexuality education curriculum available in the country is a good opportunity for improvement.