PROCESS EVALUATION OF CURRICULUM BASED SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EDUCATION AMONG FIRST YEAR STUDENTS IN ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY: QUALITATIVE STUDY

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Curriculum based sexual and reproductive health education is one of the effective strategies to prevent youths from risky sexual activity. However, providing this education for youth in higher institution requires exploration from the perspective of youths, providers, and key individuals which will help improving and continuation of this education. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate a process of curriculum based sexual and reproductive health education among first year students in Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. METHODS: Qualitative study was conducted among the first year Arba Minch University students. Focus group discussions were conducted with selected students’ representatives. In depth interviews were conducted with instructors who teach this course and key informant interviews were conducted with different stakeholders who participated during course curriculum developments. Interview guide was used to collect data. The data was analyzed through thematic content analysis method. RESULTS: In this study, we identified five main themes. The main themes are contents of the course which have four subthemes, mode of delivery of the course which have two subthemes, barrier for implementation with four subthemes, acceptability of the course that have two sub themes and perception on course nomenclature with two sub themes. CONCLUSION: Finding of this study revealed that this course was an important and essential course for youth. However, mode of delivery of the course, lack of coordination and lack of comprehensiveness of contents may affect effectiveness. Therefore, for better effectiveness of this course, it requires strong coordination with different stakeholder. KEYWORDS: Curriculum based sexual and reproductive health, qualitative study