ABSTRACT

Background: Curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education intervention is one of the preventions and control strategy youth in the higher institution from sexual and reproductive health problems. However, the effect of this education was not assessed previously in Ethiopia. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to assess the effect of sexuality education intervention on sexual health knowledge and attitude among the first year Arba Minch University students.

Methods: The study was conducted using pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design. The intervention was guided by constructs from the theory of reasoned action and social cognitive theory. Data were collected by a structured self-administered questionnaire. Paired t-tests were used to compare outcome variables before and after the intervention while differences between the control group and the intervention groups were tested using the independent t-test. To see the effect of the intervention, we used an inverse probability weighted analysis.

Results: A total of 832 students participated at a baseline, and 820 students participated at posttest. In the intervention group, the students’ average change of comprehensive condom knowledge score was 0.229 higher than the average score of student’ in the control group (ATE=0.229, 95% CI, 0.132 to 0.328; p < 0.001). The average change of attitude toward condom score of students’ in the intervention group was 1.834 higher than the average change score of students’ in control group (ATE=1.834, 95% CI, 1.195 to 2.772; p < 0.001). The average change of attitude toward HIV/AIDS score of the student's in the intervention group was 1.316 higher than the average change score of student's in control group (ATE = 1.316; 95% CI, 1.1708 to 1.4654; p < 0.001). In the intervention group, the student’s average change of comprehensive contraceptive methods knowledge score was 0.219 higher than the average score of student’s in the control group (ATE=0.219; 95% CI, 0.013 to 0.426; p = 0.037). Moreover, the post intervention period findings of the control group didn’t show statistically significant changes on students’ knowledge on STI.

Conclusion: This study provides further evidence on the effect of the curriculum-based comprehensive sexuality education in terms of sexual health knowledge and attitude. Therefore, this education intervention should be strengthening the implementation of the control and prevent youths from HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancy.

Keywords: Sexuality education, Arba Minch, a quasi-experimental study