The Effect of Counseling on Adolescents’ Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Reproductive Health at SMAN 1 Palu

Djemi; Sari Handayani; Tiara Taralitha

Djemi Program Studi Pendidikan Dokter, Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Alkhairaat, Jl. Diponegoro No.39 Palu 94221, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia
Sari Handayani Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Aesthetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alkhairaat
Tiara Taralitha Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alkhairaat, Palu, Jl. Diponegoro 94221, Central Sulawesi

Keywords: Counseling; Knowledge; Attitude; Reproductive Health.

Abstract

Adolescent reproductive health encompasses the physical, mental, and social conditions related to the reproductive system. Lack of knowledge increases the risk of engaging in risky behaviors, such as premarital sex, which contributes to high rates of unwanted pregnancies (UP), abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Previous studies have shown that adolescents’ level of knowledge regarding reproductive health remains low. The objective of this study was to determine whether health education (counseling) influences the knowledge and attitudes of students at SMAN 1 Palu regarding reproductive health. The research method used was analytical research with a pre-experimental design,. The sample consisted of 94 students from SMAN 1 Palu, selected using proportional stratified random sampling. To analyze the effect on knowledge and attitudes, the Wilcoxon test was used. A questionnaire served as the research instrument. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge levels after the intervention, The number of respondents with good knowledge increased from 23 respondents (24.5%) in the pretest to 87 respondents (92.6%) in the posttest. The fair knowledge category decreased from 64 respondents (68.1%) to 7 respondents (7.4%). The poor knowledge category decreased from 7 respondents (7.4%) to 0 respondents (0%). Similarly, attitudes improved significantly: Very positive attitudes increased from 78 respondents (83%) to 92 respondents (97.9%). Positive attitudes decreased from 12 respondents (12.8%) to 1 respondent (1.1%). Negative attitudes decreased from 4 respondents (4.3%) to 1 respondent (1.1%). Very negative attitude remained at 0 respondents (0%) before and after counseling. The p-value was < 0.05, indicating statistically significant changes after the delivery of reproductive health counseling to the students of SMAN 1 Palu. In conclusion, the health education intervention significantly improved students’ knowledge (from fair to good categories) and shifted their attitudes (from negative and positive to very positive) regarding reproductive health at SMAN 1 Palu.