Abstract:

Knowledge on reproductive health issues is essential in the promotion of positive reproductive behaviours among adolescent. The Study utilised a non-interventional cross-sectional study design to assess knowledge, attitude and risk perception on sexual-reproductive behaviours among adolescents, particularly high school students in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality of Ghana. The study enrolled 820 participants using structured questionnaire as primary data collection tool and focus group discussion. Level of knowledge on reproductive health and risk related issues were rated more than 50%. Correct responses to knowledge and risk perception questions areas are the folliwng; STI including HIV/AIDS cannot be avoided (42.0%), STI including HIV/AIDS go away without any medication (64.0%), only people who look sick can spread HIV/AIDS virus (73.0%), Teenage girl cannot get HIV from teenage boys who have had sex only a few times (62.2%), girls cannot get pregnant on sexual debut (61.0%), pregnancy can occur in mid-cycle (53.3%), no need of birth control method if a girl has sex once in a while (52.5%), urinating after sexual intercourse can prevent pregnancy (55.3%), a highly reliable method of avoiding pregnancy and STI/HIV is to use a condom (60.3%). Reproductive health knowledge and sexual-reproductive behaviours were not statistically significant (p>0.005), though sexual intercourse and non-protection on sexual debuts were significantly associated with reproductive health knowledge (p<0.005). Sexual -reproductive health education be incorporated into the curriculum of school, establishing health education department in all schools to promote positive health behaviours.

Keywords: Ghana, Ejisu-Juaben, Reproductive, Risk, Knowledge, Students.

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