Sexual and Reproductive Health Education among Rural Families in Ghana: A Study in Adaklu, Volta Region

Abstract

Although sexual and reproductive health education contributes to the development of adolescents and young people, it remains a challenge among rural families in Ghana. Even in societies where young people have access to sexual and reproductive health information, discourse on sexual matters remains generally repressive due to socio-cultural norms and mis/conceptions. These influence the sort of issues that are discussed at home with young people within the context of their age and gender thereby making some have low knowledge and uninformed about SRH issues and marginalised. Using qualitative in-depth interviews and group discussions of purposively sampled households in Adaklu, the study investigated sexual and reproductive health discussions among families and how such discussions have empowered young people aged 16-19 years. The findings showed that access to sources of SRH information impacts young people’s sexual attitudes and behaviours. Sexual and reproductive health discussions among families were not comprehensive and limited to areas some parents considered as non-sensitive issues while neglecting areas (such as contraception, dating, and relationships). Gendered socialisation scripted on cultural norms/values was found to be key in the entire sexuality education process and this hindered young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health information. Based on the findings, it will be useful for stakeholders (e.g., parents/guardians, community, state, and non-state actors, and other gatekeepers) to think of innovative and adolescent-friendly SRH education ideas/strategies, for young people to acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and efficacy to make informed decisions about their sexuality.