Introducing a School-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Curriculum in Ketu South Municipality of Ghana: The Perspective of Stakeholders

Background: There are numerous evidences of the risk of sexual and reproductive ill health and the associated medical and socio-economic burdens on teen mothers. For developing countries in particular, adolescents are not given adequate and timely Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information and services. The question is what is the perception of the stakeholders on the provision and implementation of SRH information and services to the young people? Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used to elicit the views of the frontline community stakeholders on the introduction of a school-based SRH curriculum. Adolescents SRH presentation and focused discussion was held with invited stakeholders. A structured evaluation questionnaire, covering the major areas of concern for SRH programmes was administered to the participants. The information from the focused discussions and responses to the questionnaire were analysed. Results: All the 24 stakeholders who participated endorsed the need for the introduction of the SRH curriculum. They chose junior high school to be the most appropriate level for this project. In covering and ranking the major areas of concern and the need for SRH programmes, the stakeholders first three priorities were reduction in teen pregnancy, promotion of abstinence and prevention of HIV/AIDS. With the exception of one respondent stating otherwise for local religious groups, all respondents believed that SRH curriculum would be supported by parents and community members, traditional leaders and civic organizations. Financial constraint was cited by 45.8% of the respondents as the main inhibitor. Twenty-two (91.7%) of the respondents expressed interest to participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of the school-based SRH curriculum and programmes in the municipality. Conclusion: The stakeholders showed positive perception to the provision of SRH information and services to the adolescents and had showed strong desires to promote and participate in all stages of the adolescent SRH programmes in the area. To the stakeholders, the main reasons for introduction of SRH programmes are to reduce teenage pregnancy, promote abstinence and prevent HIV/AIDS. It is therefore anticipated and suggested by both the researchers and the stakeholders that further study should be supported to design and pilot a field trial in selected schools in the district.