Comprehensive Health Education Research Articles

Do education, urbanization, and green growth promote life expectancy?

IntroductionEducation (EDU) enhances life expectancy (LEF) by improving health literacy and access to healthcare, leading to healthier lifestyles. Urbanization (URB) fosters better healthcare infrastructure and access to essential services, although it must be managed to avoid negative environmental impacts. Green growth (GG) ensures sustainable development, reduces pollution and environmental risks, and contributes to longer, healthier lives. Therefore, this study examines the impact of EDU, URB and GG on LEF in China from 1990 to 2022.MethodsThis study utilizes the unit root, cointegration test, and Auto Regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, and for robustness analysis, we use the Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic ordinary least squares (FMOLS) methods.ResultsThe results show that education, urbanization and green growth have a positive and significant effect on life expectancy, while C02 emissions negatively affect life expectancy.DiscussionThese findings suggest that more resources should be allocated to public education systems to ensure access to quality education from early childhood through higher education and integrate comprehensive health education into school curricula to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and disease prevention. Promote intelligent urban planning incorporating green spaces, recreational areas, and safe walkways to encourage physical activity and reduce pollution. The findings significantly contribute to health economics and provide a new avenue of research for the academic community and policymakers.

Prevalence of depressive symptom and its associated factors among epilepsy patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepressive symptom is the most common type of psychiatric co-morbidity among persons with epilepsy. Epilepsy patients are identified as at higher risk of suffering depressive symptom explicitly in low- and middle-income countries due to poor mental health care systems and financial burdens. The co-occurrence of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients deteriorates the prognosis of the disease and diminishes the quality of life of both the patients and their families. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of depressive symptom and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is intended to assess the prevalence of depressive symptom and associated factors among epilepsy patients attending in Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodA multi-center institution-based cross-sectional study was done among epilepsy patients attending at Amhara region, Ethiopia. The Hospital Anxiety Depression tool was used to assess depressive symptom. To determine the factors associated with depressive symptom, a binary logistic regression model was used. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsAbout 406 participants were registered in the study with a response rate of 97.6%. The prevalence of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients was 53.9% [95%CI: 49.1%, 58.8%]. In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, taking polytherapy treatment [AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.36], perceived stigma [AOR = 5.73, 95%CI: 3.11, 10.55], poor antiepileptic medication adherence [AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.30, 8.54] and having poor [AOR = 5.83, 95%CI: 2.44, 13.90] and moderate social support [AOR = 3.08, 95%CI: 1.34, 7.09] were significantly associated with depressive symptom.ConclusionsThis study revealed that the magnitude of depressive symptom among epilepsy patients in Ethiopia was relatively high and multiple factors determined the likelihood of depressive symptom. Thus, healthcare providers and concerned stakeholders should strengthen comprehensive health education to reduce the magnitude and consequences of depressive symptom among this segment of the population. Moreover, strong social support with special attention should be given to epilepsy patients.

A comparative study of menstrual poverty among urban and rural female learners in government schools of Zambia

BackgroundMenstrual poverty remains a significant health problem among female learners in Zambia, particularly due to the lack of access to menstrual products, leading to the use of unsafe alternatives and potential health risks such as reproductive tract infections. To address this pressing issue, this study examined the disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning menstrual poverty among female learners in both urban and rural government schools within Zambia.MethodsThe study utilized a mixed-method sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. A cross-sectional survey of 447 female learners was conducted in urban and rural areas using a multistage stratified sampling approach. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and bivariate techniques in Stata version 14.2. The qualitative arm consisted of focus group discussions and key informant interviews, with thematic analysis applied.ResultsThe findings revealed that urban female learners possessed a more comprehensive understanding of menstruation than their rural peers, with a significantly higher proportion accurately defining the process (74% vs. 50%). Notably, both urban and rural learners experienced a spectrum of emotional responses to menarche, with fear and discomfort common among learners in both urban and rural settings, while support-seeking behaviours and cultural beliefs varied geographically. Rural learners commonly turned to herbal remedies for menstrual management (30% vs. 21%, p = 0.007). Furthermore, over 50% of urban and rural leaners reported dissatisfaction with the sanitary facilities, citing concerns such as cleanliness, privacy, and inadequate handwashing amenities.ConclusionThis study reveals significant disparities in menstrual knowledge, practices, and attitudes between urban and rural female learners. Government funding is imperative to implement comprehensive menstrual health education in all public schools to create a supportive environment for menstruating learners. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health is crucial to ensure access to essential resources, including pain relief and gender-sensitive facilities.

The experience of living with human immunodeficiency virus among adolescents at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Bahir-Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, A phenomenological study.

Adolescents who have the human immunodeficiency virus face difficulties in their lives not just from the physical consequences of the illness but also from social stigma and discrimination. The quantitative side of this issue was the focus of earlier Ethiopian research. However, there hasn't been any prior research done extensively in Ethiopia on the real-life experiences of teenagers infected with HIV. Therefore, in order to address the real issues that these teenagers encounter, it is imperative that we investigate their lived experiences as HIV-positive adolescents. The goal is to investigate the experiences that adolescents at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital who are infected with HIV have on a daily basis. A phenomenological approach was conducted among thirteen purposively selected adolescents at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir-Dar, northwest Ethiopia, from March 25 to April 30, 2023. Information saturation was used to estimate the sample size. Data was gathered through semi-structured open-ended interview guides and in-depth interview techniques. The talk was recorded using an audio recorder. The data was transcribed verbatim. The conceptual translation approach was used to translate the transcribed data from Amharic to English. For additional analysis, the translated data was entered into the Atlas.ti.8 program. To demonstrate findings, the inductive thematic analysis technique was applied using illustrative quotes. Colleague feedback, member checks, and a debriefing were used to guarantee the quality of the data. Eleven subthemes, including main theme of "lived with burdens of immunodeficiency virus," "disclosure," "ART adherence," and "future aspiration," were used to describe the findings. The participants discussed how difficult it has been for them to deal with social, emotional, and psychological difficulties in addition to living with the HIV infection. They kept their illness a secret from others out of fear of prejudice and stigma. In conclusion, adolescents infected with the human immunodeficiency virus faced a variety of difficulties related to their mental health, relationships, emotions, and compliance. It is advised that the community get ongoing, comprehensive health education in order to prevent stigmatization and discrimination against young people who have the virus.

Psychosocial challenges of pregnant adolescents: A narrative Inquiry of Adolescents in the Ho Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana

Adolescent health studies in Ghana’s Volta Region have often focused on topics such as family planning, teenage pregnancy, and unsafe abortions. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the psychosocial challenges faced by pregnant adolescents. This study explores the psychological and social difficulties impacting pregnant adolescents in the Ho Municipality, to inform policies and psychosocial interventions to support this vulnerable group. Using a narrative and phenomenological approach, this facility-based qualitative study gathered insights from pregnant adolescents aged 10-19 through in-depth interviews at the Volta Regional and Ho Municipal Hospitals. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and provided accounts of their experiences, challenges, and the factors contributing to their pregnancies. Thematic analysis revealed significant psychological challenges such as hopelessness, anxiety, sadness, isolation, and sleep disturbances. These issues were often driven by family rejection, partner denial, stigmatization, and discrimination. Poverty emerged as the primary contributor to adolescent pregnancy, alongside factors such as single parenting, lack of contraceptive access, limited sexual education, peer pressure, cultural influences, and media portrayals of sexual behaviour. The study highlights a need for multifaceted strategies at both structural and individual levels to address adolescent pregnancy and its associated psychosocial challenges in the Ho Municipality. The study recommended implementing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in schools, communities, and families to better support adolescents in managing and preventing pregnancy.

Challenge of Strengthening the Health of Older Employees in the Workplace to Improve Job Longevity

Introduction. Older workers are more likely to face health problems. This issue is becoming more important in the context of the trend towards prolonged working life. Given the significant amount of time spent in the workplace, the better health of older workers is crucial for their continued employment.The purpose was to conduct a literature review of studies discussing the problem of health preservation of older workers in the workplace as a factor ensuring prolonged working life and job longevity.Materials and methods. In our study, the methods of content analysis of scientific literature on the health of older workers, corporate programs promoting health-saving practices, and the creation of healthy workplaces were used. In addition, a secondary analysis of data obtained from a study conducted by the Age-Friendly non-profit organization in 2022 in the USA was presented.Results. The physical health of older workers significantly differs from younger staff. This issue requires a search for special approaches to labor protection and health-saving conditions in the workplace. Recent studies on workforce aging have shown that older workers are characterized by objective age-related physical changes, which reduce their activity, productivity, and efficiency as a labor resource. Corporate programs on employee health and the promotion of healthy job longevity should be aimed at providing comprehensive health education, creating a working environment that promotes health improvement by both physical and social means, elaborating corporate culture emphasizing the value of health and longevity, as well as enabling systemic conditions for regular medical examinations, stress testing, relaxation, and rehabilitation of employees after a hard workday.

Resource Realities: Exploring the Foundations of Successful Implementation in School-Based Drug Prevention.

Comprehensive health education in schools can effectively prevent drug use and related outcomes, but successful implementation remains challenging. Contextual determinants, including intervention-setting compatibility, focus on the intervention, available resources, and leadership support, influence implementation success. This study investigates the impact of multilevel contextual determinants on Michigan Model for Health: (MMH) curriculum fidelity. High school health teachers across Michigan (N = 171) participated in an MMH implementation survey. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the relative contributions of contextual determinants to implementation fidelity while also permitting the determinant factors to covary. The models demonstrate a good fit with the data (structural: X2 = 51, df: 34, p = 0.03; RMSEA: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08; CFI: 0.98). Results indicate that the context latent factors individually were associated with fidelity. Examined together, we found significant covariance between the latent factors, but only resources predicted fidelity. School health policy and practice benefit from sufficient resources to support prevention curriculum implementation. Insufficient resources exacerbate existing barriers in low-resource communities, leading to unequal intervention implementation and widening health disparities. Our results indicate that while contextual determinants are interrelated, sufficient resources are foundational to successful implementation.

Assessment of Pregnant Women's Satisfaction With the Model of Care Initiative: Antenatal Care Services at Primary Health Care Centers in the Qassim Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia.

Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator of healthcare quality, including high-quality antenatal care (ANC), and it directly impacts care continuity and health outcomes. This study assessed the satisfaction levels of pregnant women with ANC services provided at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) within the Qassim Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 646 pregnant women attending ANC services in the Qassim region. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, healthcare interactions, and satisfaction levels across various ANC service aspects, including waiting times, healthcare provider communication, and healthcare service quality. Statistical analyses, including Pearson's chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact tests, and regression analyses, were performed to identify predictors of satisfaction. The majority of participants (N=366, 90.6%) reported successfully booking their appointments, and 368 (91.1%) faced no challenges during the process. While 393 (97.3%)and 398 (98.5%) reported receiving weight and blood pressure measurements, respectively, only 312 (77.2%) were advised on diet, and 298 (73.8%) received explanations about alarming symptoms. Communication gaps were noted, with 71% (N=287) of participants indicating that physicians did not introduce themselves, and 307 (76%) reported that physicians did not disclose their specialties. Satisfaction levels were highest for maintaining privacy (273 (67.6%) highly satisfied) and healthcare staff attitudes (247 (61.1%) highly satisfied), with an overall satisfaction mean score of 4.31±0.869. Regression analyses identified healthcare service levels and years of marriage as significant predictors of satisfaction (p<0.05). While overall satisfaction with ANC services was high, areas such as physician communication and health education require improvement. Interventions focusing on enhancing patient-provider interactions, providing comprehensive health education, and optimizing service delivery could further improve satisfaction.

Prevalence and predictors of poor heart failure treatment outcomes in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Various factors can exacerbate disease progression in patients with HF and negatively impact treatment outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the pooled prevalence and contributing factors associated with poor heart failure treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using five databases: Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Hinari, PubMed, and Scopus. In total, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this analysis. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Data extraction was performed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and statistical analysis was conducted with STATA 14. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was utilized for quality assessment. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I 2 statistic and the Cochrane Q test. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test, Egger's weighted regression, and funnel plots. The pooled prevalence of poor HF treatment outcomes was found to be 16.67% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.67-22.67]. No significant heterogeneity was observed across the included studies (I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.962). Significant predictors of a poor treatment outcome were smoking cigarettes [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.74; 95% CI: 3.24-35.63] and medication-related problems (AOR = 3.99; 95% CI: 1.90-8.37). The prevalence of poor HF treatment outcomes in Ethiopia was found to be high. Smoking cigarettes and medication-related problems are significant predictors of these adverse outcomes. Comprehensive health education and improved clinical pharmacy services are essential for addressing these issues. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023437397, PROSPERO (CRD42023437397).

Influence Alcohol, Sexuality, And Reproductive Health To Quality Of Life For Teenagers In Bolaang Mongondow

Adolescence is an important period in human development marked by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. In this context, alcohol consumption, sexual health, and reproductive health can affect the overall quality of life of adolescents. This study aims to analyze the effect of alcohol consumption, sexual health, and reproductive health on the quality of life of adolescents in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. This study used a quantitative approach with an observational method and cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 406 adolescents selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using univariate, bivariate (Chi Square test), and multivariate (logistic regression) analysis. The results showed that alcohol consumption had a significant effect on the quality of life of adolescents in the psychological domain (p = 0.001) and environment (p = 0.000). Meanwhile, sexual and reproductive health had a significant effect on the psychological domain (p = 0.006) and environment (p = 0.042). Alcohol consumption has been shown to contribute to impaired self-confidence, concentration, and discomfort in the social environment, while poor sexual and reproductive health causes difficulties in building personal relationships and social comfort. The results of this study have important implications for policy makers, particularly in strengthening regulations related to alcohol consumption among adolescents and developing more comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education programs. Community-based interventions also need to be improved to create a social environment that supports healthy and responsible adolescent development. This study provides an evidence-based basis for designing relevant and sustainable policies to improve the quality of life of adolescents.

Do school students study enough about the reproductive system? Data from Jordan

BackgroundUnderstanding reproductive anatomy and physiology is essential for safe wealthy sexual practices as well as reproductive attitudes. It has been advised that comprehensive sexual reproductive health (SRH) education should be provided in educational systems, colleges, and communities. We aimed to explore the knowledge about the reproductive system among first-year students in non-medical health schools.MethodA pre-validated questionnaire was distributed among first year non-medical health care school students in two universities.ResultsA number of 384 students were included. The average score of knowledge was 14.12 out of 42, Female students scored higher than males (15.06 versus 11.54).ConclusionFrom the results of the current study, it appears that Jordanian students do not study enough about reproductive systems. It is recommended that the school curricula in the fields about reproductive systems, need to be reassessed and reformed, teachers need to be trained for better teaching strategies about reproductive subjects as well.

Youth-Friendly HIV Prevention: Tailoring Interventions for Young Populations

Youth-friendly HIV prevention is a crucial component of global efforts to combat the HIV epidemic, particularly among adolescents and young adults, who represent a significant proportion of new HIV infections. Tailoring HIV prevention interventions to the unique needs of young people—who often face distinct challenges such as limited access to healthcare, stigma, and developmental factors—has shown promising results. These interventions include age-appropriate education, peer-led programs, digital tools, and family engagement, which have been shown to enhance knowledge, encourage safe practices, and increase HIV testing and treatment adherence. This review explores these tailored approaches, examining their effectiveness and the critical role they play in empowering young populations to reduce HIV transmission. Adolescents and young adults face numerous risk factors that heighten their vulnerability to HIV, including experimental behaviors, socio-economic disparities, and lack of comprehensive sexual health education. Youth-friendly HIV prevention strategies focus on addressing these risks through culturally relevant, accessible, and non-judgmental interventions. Programs that incorporate peer education, digital platforms, and family involvement foster an environment in which young people feel supported in seeking information, guidance, and health services. Research demonstrates that when HIV prevention services are adapted to the specific needs and preferences of young people, they are more likely to engage, adopt safer behaviors, and reduce the stigma associated with HIV. Keywords: Youth-friendly services, HIV prevention, adolescents, tailored interventions, risk reduction

Beyond Basic Care: Cultivating Comprehensive Sexual Health Education for Malaysian Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Beyond Basic Care: Cultivating Comprehensive Sexual Health Education for Malaysian Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Implications of Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Determinants of Dementia for Public Health Policies and Prevention Strategies

Dementia, characterized by cognitive decline and memory deterioration, poses a significant and growing global health challenge. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form, with others including Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia (VaD). The World Health Organization estimates that 55 million people worldwide are affected, a number projected to triple by 2050. This essay explores both non-modifiable and modifiable determinants of dementia and their implications for public health policies and prevention efforts. Non-modifiable determinants include age, genetics, and sex, all of which significantly influence dementia risk. Ageing is the primary risk factor, with genetic factors such as mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, and the APOE 4 allele increasing susceptibility. Women, due to their longer lifespan and hormonal differences, are at a higher risk compared to men. Modifiable determinants encompass lifestyle factors and medical conditions, notably diet, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, hypertension, and diabetes. Effective public health policies, like the WHO's Global Action Plan, emphasize early intervention and lifestyle modifications. Integrating these determinants into policy making requires a balanced approach, considering the dynamic nature of modifiable factors and the specific needs of an aging population. The essay underscores the need for comprehensive public health education, destigmatization of dementia, and an inclusive healthcare infrastructure to enhance dementia prevention and care, ultimately reducing the societal burden of this condition.

Pendidikan tentang Pencegahan Penyakit Menular dan Penyakit Tidak Menular pada Masyarakat di Kabupaten Aceh Besar

The prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to communicable and non-communicable diseases continues to increase and is a major challenge for public health in the world and in Indonesia. The increase in these two types of disease shows that public awareness and knowledge regarding prevention still needs to be increased. Comprehensive and ongoing health education is the key to prevention efforts. Therefore, a community service program is needed that focuses on education on preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases in the community. This service activity uses an interactive educational method involving 25 participants (housewives and young women) in Teubang Phui Baro Village, Montasik District, Aceh Besar Regency. Pre-test and post-test measurements were carried out with a questionnaire consisting of eight questions to measure the increase in participants' knowledge. The results showed that all counseling participants experienced an increase in their knowledge scores after the counseling with an average increase in scores for this activity being 3.92 (range of score increase of at least 2 points and maximum 6 points). With the implementation of this outreach, it is hoped that the community will be able to change their behavior to be healthier in terms of consumption patterns, physical activity and other health behaviors.

Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection, and contributing factors in Alamata district of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni continues to be a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of S.mansoni infection, and contributing factors in Alamata district of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and 1762 participants were enrolled from five clusters in Alamata district. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and risk factors. Stool samples were examined using Kato-katz technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Median, inter quartile range (IQR), mean, frequency, and percentage were used to descriptively summarize data. The Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the differences in mean rank of egg load between different groups. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the odds of being infected with S.mansoni and the different socio-demographic and other factors. The strength of these associations was reported using odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and a P-value below 5% was used to report statistical significance. Out of 1762 residents included in the study 941 (53.4%) were females. The age varied from 5-80 years, with a median age of 25 years (IQR = 27), the overall prevalence of S.mansoni was 21.5% with males accounting for 26% (204/821) of the infections. The proportion of infection was higher among the age groups of 15-19 and 20-29 years at 32.7% and 33.1%, respectively. The mean egg count among the infected study participants was 146.82 eggs per gram of feces (epg) ± (243.17 SD). Factors significantly associated with increased odds of infection were living in Waja cluster (AOR:8.9; 95% CI, 3.5-23.2; P< 0.001); being in the age groups 10-14 (AOR:6.0, 95% CI: 3.1-11.7, P<0.001), 15-19 (AOR:5.8, 95% CI:2.8-12.2, P<0.001), and 20-29 (AOR:3.5, 95% CI:1.8-6.8; P<0.001) years; having direct contact with water while crossing river (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.8, P<0.001); and swimming (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.01-2.0, P = 0.035). The study indicates a notable S.mansoni burden in the area, driven by various risk factors. To effectively address this, enhancing diagnostics, implementing targeted mass drug administration, and conducting comprehensive health education campaigns on disease transmission routes are imperative.

Survey of Public Needs on The Design of an Integrated Information System Model for Adolescent, Mother, and Child Health

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Indonesia are still high, with MMR reaching 305/100,000 live births and IMR at 22.23 per 1,000 live births. Although the government has launched various programs for adolescent, maternal, and child health, there has been no effort to integrate these programs into a comprehensive reproductive health cycle. This study aims to analyze the needs of the community in designing an integrated information system model for adolescent, maternal, and child health. This study used a survey design conducted in Dau, Malang Regency, Indonesia. The population consisted of all women of childbearing age (15-49 years) totaling 945 people, with a sample size of 311 respondents obtained using the Slovin formula. The sampling technique used cluster sampling from 4 RW in Petungsewu Village, and 279 respondents could be processed. The research instrument used a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed quantitatively in the form of frequency distribution. The results of the data analysis showed that the design of the integrated model of adolescent, maternal, and child health has significant potential as the basis for developing an integrated website system. This system not only facilitates comprehensive health education but also strengthens real-time health recording and reporting mechanisms. This study shows that the integration of health education is essential to meet the different information needs of adolescents, mothers, and children. The model successfully identified and categorized these needs, so that the developed website could provide relevant and specific content for each user group.

Early sexual debut and pregnancy termination: uncovering the link among sexually active young women in 23 sub-Saharan African countries

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancy could be a socio-economic burden for many young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which often leads to pregnancy termination. The role of age at sexual debut in pregnancy termination in countries with lower income remains unknown. Hence, this study examines the association between age at sexual debut and pregnancy termination among sexually active young women between the ages of 15 -24 in 23 SSA countries.MethodsCross-sectional secondary datasets from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 23 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2018 among 34,343 sexually active young women were analysed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between age at sexual debut and pregnancy termination with statistical significance of p < 0.05.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of pregnancy termination among sexually active young women in SSA was 11.00%. Higher odds of pregnancy termination were found among those who had early sexual debut (below 16 years) [(aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = (1.22–1.48)] compared to those who had late sexual debut. Furthermore, those who were exposed to mass media [(aOR = 1.29, 95% CI = (1.16–1.43)] were more likely to report pregnancy termination compared to those who were not exposed. On the other hand, those residing in rural areas and those within the richest wealth index were associated with lower odds of pregnancy termination.ConclusionThe study concluded that early sexual debut of sexually active young women in SSA was significantly associated with pregnancy termination. Mass media exposure was found to be a risk factor for pregnancy termination whilst residing in rural areas, and those within the richest wealth index were protective factors. Interventions should be designed to target young women with early sexual debut to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to enable them to make informed decisions on pregnancy termination.

Factors Associated With Delay in Seeking Abortion Care Until the Second Trimester at Jimma University Medical Centre: A Prospective Cross‐Sectional Study Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACTObjectiveAlthough the overall abortion‐related maternal mortality ratio has shown a downward trend in Ethiopia, the case‐fatality rate from abortion is still high. This study identified factors associated with delays in seeking an abortion until the second trimester at Jimma Medical Centre, Jimma, southwest Ethiopia.MethodsFrom February to August 2023, we conducted a cross‐sectional study on pregnant women seeking safe abortion care. Participants were selected through systematic sampling from a sample size of 260 calculated based on a previous study's prevalence of second‐trimester abortion (19.2%), with 80% power and a 5% margin of error. Participants were selected using systematic sampling and data were collected by an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. P‐value adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the association between variables.ResultsThe study found a high prevalence of second‐trimester abortion at 58%. Factors significantly associated with delays in seeking abortion services until the second trimester included being from a rural area (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.8), experiencing social stigma (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.9–7.8), being unmarried (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–3.0), having limited knowledge of menstrual periods (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.6), delaying suspicion and testing for pregnancy (AOR = 18.2, 95% CI: 2.1–8.9–37.3), postponing the decision to have an abortion by more than 1 week (AOR = 4.9, CI: 1.0–23.7), and being a primigravidae (AOR = 2.1, CI: 1.1–4.1).ConclusionsBeing from a rural area, social stigma surrounding abortion, being unmarried, limited knowledge of menstrual periods, and being a primigravidae were found to be significantly associated with delays in seeking abortion services until the second trimester. A multifaceted approach and efforts should focus on improving access to healthcare resources in rural areas, reducing social stigma surrounding abortion through education and advocacy, and providing comprehensive reproductive health education to enhance knowledge about menstrual cycles and pregnancy testing adapting to local contexts including employing community‐based approaches, using visual and interactive tools, and ensuring cultural sensitivity.

Sexual health education knowledge required by health education teachers in Finland

ABSTRACT Health education teachers have a crucial role to play in delivering sexual health education in schools, with their own knowledge being key to providing comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the sexual health education knowledge required by health education teachers in Finland. Qualitative methods were used to explore the perspectives of Finnish health education teachers using semi-structured interviews and e-forms. Data collection from 15 health education teachers took place in March and April 2023. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings highlight the importance of health education teachers having sound knowledge about: 1) the diversity of adolescent sexual health, 2) the functions of the adolescent body, 3) factors threatening adolescent sexual health, 4) factors promoting adolescent sexual health, and 5) relevant relevant forms of pedagogy. The findings from this study offer a unique perspective on the wide-ranging knowledge required by health education teachers regarding sexual health education in Finland. It is imperative that present and future health education teachers are well-trained and qualified. Both pre- and in-service training should be comprehensive and accessible to enable the delivery of high-quality sexual health education to adolescents and, consequently, the promotion of sexual health.