Dr. Sneha Borgai and Dr. R. Rajesh
Background: Adolescents constitute a significant proportion of India’s population, yet they are highly vulnerable to issues related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Lack of accurate knowledge and poor attitudes can result in unsafe practices, early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and long-term consequences.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programme on knowledge and attitude regarding SRH among adolescent girls in selected high schools at Bangalore.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 500 adolescent girls studying in 9th and 10th standards were selected using purposive sampling. A structured knowledge questionnaire and a 5-point Likert scale on attitude were administered before and after the IEC programme. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 12.4 (SD=3.5), which improved significantly to 22.8 (SD=4.1) in the post-test (t=32.46, p<0.001). Similarly, the mean attitude score improved from 45.3 (SD=6.7) to 56.9 (SD=7.2), showing a statistically significant difference (t=28.14, p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.61, p<0.01). Socio-demographic variables such as type of school and class of study were significantly associated with post-test knowledge scores (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The IEC programme was highly effective in improving knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward SRH among adolescent girls. Implementing such programmes in schools can play a vital role in enhancing adolescent health outcomes.
Download PDF
View Abstract
No. of Downloads: 2 |
No. of Views: 3