Reproductive health education for adolescents: a comparative study of government and private schools in Delhi

Abstract

The study on reproductive health education to adolescents made an effort to scientifically present the detailed account of the level of knowledge and perception of the adolescents regarding reproductive health issues, and various source of information accessed by them for gaining the knowledge on reproductive health issues. The study found that adolescents as well their parents and teachers recognized the need and importance of imparting reproductive health education at school system. However, being a sensitive issue, talking on reproductive health issues would require adequate knowledge and information in conjunction with the social norms of society. It would also necessitate specialized helping service and time and the Social Work being a helping profession would continue to play a significant role in rendering the appropriate services for the smooth and speedy implementation of reproductive health education to adolescents at school level. Objectives: The present study on reproductive health education is an attempt to respect and care about one s basic needs contributing to healthy body and mind. It is an individual s decision to reproduce or share physical expression. With growing individual autonomy and participation of adolescents it becomes a responsibility of the socializing agents to provide a guiding light towards a bright and stable future. Thus the present study aimed at looking the representations of adolescents , teachers and parents . The present study aimed to examine the adolescents reproductive health issues, including the knowledge, perception and context within which they arise and also explored the opinion of parents and teachers on imparting reproductive health education amongst adolescents. The present study was also an attempt to study the existing policies and programs with respect to reproductive health education for adolescents.