Outcome Evaluation Of An Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health Program In Schools In Kampala District Authors: Idah Lukwago 1, Juliet Nakabugo 1, Flavia Nanyunja 1, Dr. Solome Nampewo 2 Jersey Medical Centre, Kampala District, Uganda ICASA conference track D: Social and Behavioural Sciences, Young people and sexuality

Presentation outline Background Objectives Methodology Results conclusion

Background The population of Uganda is youthful with 52% below 15 years of age, 20% aged years Young women and men are vulnerable to consequences of social and cultural norms that encourage early sexual experience, early pregnancy and child bearing, un safe abortion, transactional sex, cross generational sex and multiple sexual partners. The Ministry of Health has developed policies and guidelines to roll out provision of youth friendly services.

Implementation of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services In 2009, Jersey Medical Centre started implementing a life skills program for young people. During one year, 1000 young people (51% males) were reached with ASRH information and services. The outcome evaluation findings supported improvement of the delivery of ASRH sessions for youth in and out of school.

Young people expressing themselves during on of the ASRH sessions & through print media

Objectives (assessed after one year of implementation) 1. To assess young people’s levels of awareness on life skills, personal values and goals. 2. To assess the attitude of young people towards body changes, relationships and sexuality 3. To assess young people’s levels of understanding of HIV/AIDS and other STIs

Methodology Study Area: Three schools, 1 primary and 2 secondary schools in Makindye Division Study population: 114 young people (57 before and after one year), aged years, both males and females, Study design : Two cross sectional studies (before & after one year) employed quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection Sampling procedure : Three schools selected in one parish with limited interventions from the NGO community, random sample of 19 per school using the LQAs methodology

1-Young people’s levels of awareness on life skills, values and personal dreams. Percentage of young people with personal goals improved from 70.2% to 98.2% (p value ) -Significant improvement

Personal values and life skills; Personal values (Education, Health, Helping others) Young people who know that they must be clear and assertive about their set values and goals/dreams before accepting a boy/girl relationship significantly improved from 47.4% to 71.9% (p-value 0.01)

2-Attitude of young people towards body changes, relationships, sexuality Significant improvement on knowledge on body from 91% to 100% (p- value 0.02)

Attitude towards body changes; Issue (False as a true response) 2009 (False) 2010 (False) P-value Sex is one of the many ways that can relieve pain during menstrual periods Menstruation is one of the signs that its time for a girl to start having sex A girl cannot get pregnant before she has had her first menstrual period

3-Young people’s levels of understanding on HIV/AIDS and other STIs Issue (Yes as true response)2009 (Yes) 2010 (Yes) P-value Young people who mentioned sexual abstinence is the safest way to avoid STIs 36 (63.2%) 38 (66.7%) 0.69 (Improved) Young people who mentioned HIV/AIDS as a sexually transmitted infection 39 (68.4%) 47 (82.3%) 0.08 (Improved) Young people who perceive themselves to be at risk of HIV infection 18 (31.6%) 39 (68.4%) 0.01 (significant, Improved)

Conclusion The program has made progress in imparting ASRH knowledge and life planning skills among young people The documented changes in knowledge and attitudes need to be translated into changes in positive sexual behaviour ( primary and secondary sexual abstinence or negotiate for other safer sexual practices)

Acknowledgement Ministry of Health, Uganda Naguru Teenage and Information Health Centre Reproductive Health Uganda Straight Talk Foundation HEY-PI Jersey Medical Centre staff Targeted schools Administration and staff Respondents