TITLE:
Assessing Comprehensive Sexuality Education Programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Adolescents’ and Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Contraception
AUTHORS:
Dieudonné Mpunga-Mukendi, Faustin Mukalenge Chenge, Mala Ali Mapatano, Thérèse Nyangi Mondo Mambu, Gilbert Utshudienyema Wembodinga
KEYWORDS:
Adolescents, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Contraception
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
11,
2020
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Improving teenagers’ knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is
important to prevent unintended pregnancies. We aimed to assess comprehensive
sexuality education (CSE) programs and knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents and teachers
towards contraception. Methods: Based on the reasoned action theory and CSE
guidelines, a qualitative study was conducted with seven teachers and 62
adolescents aged 15 - 19. The data were collected through six focus groups (FG) of adolescents
and seven semi-structured interviews of teachers. The program of the family
life education course (FLEC) was assessed. The Atlas Ti software helped to
analyze the data, using a deductive approach. Results: The periodic abstinence, male condoms and pills were the most known contraceptive
methods. Adolescents and teachers were reluctant to use artificial
contraceptive methods, apart from the male condom which they used irregularly.
Girls especially preferred natural contraceptive methods, fearing side effects, such as the risk of
infertility. Almost all adolescents wanted to be informed on SRH and family
planning in school. However, they estimated that the content of the FLEC was insufficient and
criticized the teachers’ lack of openness. Their main sources of information were peers, siblings and the internet. Mothers were an
important source of information for girls, unlike fathers considered to be
indifferent or even frightening. Conclusion: Adolescents’ and teachers’ knowledge are weak; and their attitudes unfavorable towards contraception. Misconceptions about contraception lead to
the use of ineffective practices to prevent unwanted pregnancies. To improve
knowledge, a teacher training program should be developed and the content of
the FLEC improved, formalized and regulated.