Adolescent's attitudes and perceptions towards sexual health education in the healthcare facilities at Sebayeng in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a stage marked by sexual health challenges that adolescents are faced with. Early sexual debut contributes to these challenges. Sexual health education is important in equipping adolescents with knowledge and skills to deal with these challenges. South Africa has made efforts to combat the challenges by introducing the Integrated School Health Policy. Through this policy, adolescents are educated about sexual health in schools. The adolescent-friendly approach was also implemented for the adolescents to access sexual health education in healthcare facilities. This study seeks to explore adolescents’ attitudes and perceptions towards sexual health education in healthcare facilities at Sebayeng. Objectives: To determine adolescents’ perceptions towards sexual health education in healthcare facilities at Sebayeng, Limpopo Province, South Africa. To determine factors that influence adolescents’ access to sexual health education at Sebayeng. To explore adolescents’ experiences regarding sexual health education in the healthcare facilities of Sebayeng. Methods: The study comprised of twelve (12) male and female participants who were at their adolescent stage and had attended sexual health education programme in health facilities at Sebayeng. We used the qualitative research approach in this study. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were utilised. Face to face interviews were used as a form of interaction between researcher and participants through interview guide schedule. Twelve (12) participants were sampled, and the researcher interacted with them until data was saturated. Data was recorded using an audiotape and filed notes during the interviewing process. For analysis of qualitative data, Thematic Content Analysis was used. Results: There is an inadequate provision of sexual health education to the adolescents. They receive education mainly from health facilities, and there is reluctance from parents and teachers in school. Those who have attended the programme believe that it is important for shaping their sexual life. The adolescents argue that they have benefitted from the sexual health education programme, which influenced their healthy sexual behaviour. There are barriers relating to how sexual health education programmes are provided, and this contribute to adolescents’ sexual vi health challenges. Even though our study did not generalise the overall adolescents’ attitudes and views regarding sexual health education, as a qualitative research, the study findings are vital and provides important information to the adolescents of Sebayeng. Conclusion: Sexual health education programmes are sources of information for adolescents’ sexual health, who should be supported and equipped with knowledge regarding sexual health education. However, more interventions are still needed to improve adolescent’s sexual health knowledge, and to increase the availability, as well as accessibility of sexual health education programmes beyond the parameters of health facilities.