Ugandan adolescents lack sufficient reproductive health knowledge, which accounts in part for the staggering rates of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted (STI) infections in this population. This study aimed to (1) examine Ugandan adolescents' baseline STI and contraceptive knowledge; (2) determine whether this knowledge varies by demographic factors, prior sexual experience or school grade; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program to increase and retain STI and contraceptive knowledge among Ugandan adolescents. This study surveyed 129 adolescents (ages 15-19) regarding knowledge of STIs and contraceptive methods at schools and community non-governmental organizations at three time points. Findings demonstrated that at baseline the mean test scores for contraceptive knowledge and STI knowledge were 44% and 72%, respectively. Participants in higher secondary school grade-levels had greater odds of having prior STI knowledge (OR=19.6, 95% CI 2.0-187.6); participants who had previously engaged in sex had greater odds of having prior contraceptive knowledge (OR=4.62, 95% CI 1.45-14.72). A higher grade level was not associated with better knowledge of contraception; and being sexually active was not associated with better knowledge of STI information. Participants' knowledge of STIs and contraceptives improved after the education session (p<0.001), and knowledge was retained 3-weeks later (p<0.001). Findings suggest that Ugandan adolescents do not have adequate education regarding contraceptive methods and that implementation of reproductive health modules by an outside party can be effective in improving knowledge.
Outcome and Evaluation: 86 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they had a better knowledge of the Senegal pandemic and disaster contingency plans. 89% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they had a better understanding of their ministry's or agency's role in disaster response. 84% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they had a better understanding of the roles and resources of other Senegal government ministries or agencies during a disaster response. 92% of respondents had a better understanding of the potential role of the military during a pandemic. Going Forward: Participants were in strong agreement that the exercise helped them to better understand the contents of their disaster response plans, build relationships across ministerial lines and use their new found skills on a day-today basis in their current positions. Participants felt that follow up training and exercises would be essential to solidify concepts from this exercise.
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