Evaluation of Impact of Life-planning Skills Training among Senior High School Students in Shangcai County

摘要

Objective To evaluate the impact of sex and reproductive health education using life-planning skills training among senior high school students in a rural county. Methods The study was conducted in three senior high schools of Shangcai County with comparable socio-cultural, economic, and demographic characteristics, two as intervention sites and one as the control. A three-month life-planning skills training course was conducted among all grade one students in the intervention schools. The baseline survey was conducted prior to the intervention, once again three months after the intervention was initiated. Data were collected through questionnaires, FGDs and IDIs to evaluate the effect of the intervention program. Results After the intervention, the median score of reproductive health knowledge was higher in the intervention group (55.66) than that in control group (38.68). Students from the intervention group were also more comfortable with their developmental changes which were going through. In the end line survey, 92.70% of the students in the intervention group suggested that reproductive health education should be carried out among all middle school students in Shangcai County. Multivariate analysis also indicated that peers and family had a significant effect on students' sex-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Conclusion Sex and reproductive health education via provision of life-planning skills training can significantly increase students' sex and reproductive health knowledge and was welcomed by students, teachers and parents.