Effect of Reproductive and Sexual Health Education School Based Program for Adolescents: Systematic Review
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: adolescent sexual and reproductive health remains a major global challenge, reflected in high rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancy. School-based sexual and reproductive health education is considered a key strategy to promote healthy knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among adolescents.
Purpose: to assess the effectiveness of school-based sexual and reproductive health education programs in improving adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors.
Methods: this study employed a systematic review design following Cochrane guidelines and reported according to PRISMA 2020. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Taylor & Francis for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies involved students aged 10-19 years and evaluated school-based interventions. Of 518 records identified, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies included cluster randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, cross-sectional surveys, and pilot studies. Assessment of reviewed articles using JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors.
Results: all included studies reported significant improvements in adolescents’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health following the interventions. Most studies also demonstrated positive changes in attitudes, particularly regarding contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Effects on sexual behavior were more heterogeneous, with stronger and more consistent outcomes observed in multi-session and skills-based programs.
Conclusion: school-based sexual and reproductive health education is effective in enhancing adolescents’ knowledge and often improving attitudes. However, achieving sustained behavioral change requires more intensive, participatory, and multi-component interventions that are integrated with health services and supported by school policies.
Article Details
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