Effects of a novel youth sexual and reproductive health programme in Zambia: An experimental study
Anthony H. Ahrens, Millicent S. Curlee, Hadassah Kasukumya, Jane K. MeyersObjective:
Knowledge about sexual and reproductive health is often limited among adolescents in Zambia, and this limitation may have negative health effects. Although programmes have been developed to increase such knowledge, these programmes can sometimes be seen as being in conflict with cultural values.
Design:
This study examined the effects of adding a novel programme involving teaching and storytelling about character (Lubuto
Method:
The experimental group participated in the novel curriculum, which combined Lubuto
Setting:
Participants were 371 Zambian young people aged 15–19 years.
Results:
Participants in both programmes demonstrated increases from before the intervention to after in knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, and confidence in their ability to undertake challenging behaviours pertaining to sexuality, and well-being. The increases did not differ between groups. Participants were run in three cohorts. In each cohort, one group of participants took part in then Lubuto
Conclusion:
Study findings suggest that training in character strengths using techniques such as storytelling as part of sexual and reproductive health programmes in Zambia is feasible without reducing overall efficacy.