Effects of Reproductive Health Education on Knowledge and Attitudes Among Female Adolescents in Saudi Arabia.
BACKGROUND
For many girls, the onset of puberty that occurs during adolescence marks a time of heightened vulnerability to early pregnancy, with its attendant complications and heightened risk of maternal mortality. National and international forums have recognized the need to address these problems through reproductive health education.


OBJECTIVE
This article assesses the reproductive-health-related knowledge and attitudes of female adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years. In addition, the authors assess the effectiveness of a reproductive health education program in improving the related knowledge of female adolescents.


METHODS
The study was conducted on female students in three secondary schools and in the preparatory year at Qassim University (N = 309). A 59-item structured questionnaire was used to test the knowledge and attitudes of all participants regarding reproductive health before and after the intervention program. Data collection was carried out between September and November 2012.


RESULTS
A significant increase for the total sample in knowledge regarding puberty and menstruation was observed (p < .001) postintervention. Differences in overall knowledge regarding pregnancy and antenatal care were statistically significant. Knowledge regarding contraceptive intrauterine devices improved from 27.2% preintervention to 67.6% postintervention.


CONCLUSIONS
This study clearly showed that the reproductive health education program improves knowledge among adolescent girls regarding reproductive health.
1RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Health Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt 2RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing Education, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hanan Mohamed Mohamed
HM
Tork
Khalid Fahad
KF
Al Hosis
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012529:Saudi Arabia