An exploration of school health nurses’ understanding and experiences of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programme in a selected health district in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Introduction: Unprotected sexual activity has a negative effect to the reproductive
health of adolescence, because they are physically immature and are at risk of unwanted
pregnancy. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes form the backbone of
school health package for school health nurses (SHNs) dealing with adolescent health.
The SRH is vital in addressing sexually transmitted infections, unplanned teenage
pregnancies and abortions being experienced by adolescents globally. However in South
Africa, there is a high prevalence of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) in
adolescents aged between 15 and 24 years. While globally unsafe abortions accounts for
the main cause for adolescents’ mortality. The SHNs are the most suitable health
professionals to promote students sexual health in the school settings. The SHNs should
have skills that will facilitate access to information and resources to decrease the
negative consequences of early, unprotected, or forced sexual intercourse.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the selected SHNs’ understanding and
experiences of the implementation of the adolescents’ SRH programmes in a selected
health district in KwaZulu Natal.
Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach utilizing a descriptive and
exploratory research design. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to
select participants and a semi-structured interviews guided collect data. A total of seven
school health nurses participated in the study. Data was analysed using descriptive
content analysis.
Findings: The study findings revealed the five major themes which were consistent
with the objectives of the study. The SHNs demonstrated a much understanding of
adolescents’ SHR programmes and had both positive and negative experiences on the
implementation of the programme. Most of the SHNs acknowledged that they were
inadequately equipped with knowledge and skills to provide high-quality and
comprehensive adolescents’ SRH programmes. In spite of the challenges faced by
SHNs it was also found that there were some positive experiences that enabled them to
continue with the implementation of the SRH programme to the adolescents.
Conclusion: The SHNs had an understanding of what the program entails as well as
their role in its implementation. The SHNs had limited resource but did their best to
implementing the programmes. However, it is necessary that the SHNs are equipped
with the necessary skills and teaching resources to increase their effectiveness in the
implementing of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive programme.
Description
Masters of Nursing. University of KwaZulu-Natal. Durban 2016.