Strategies to promote sexuality education for caregivers of primary school learners in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Sexuality education is a worldwide health issue that has been neglected over the past decade despite the sexual health concerns that countries face as a result. 3% of HIV-positive individuals are younger than 25 years old. Adolescent pregnancy is on the rise in the Vhembe and Mopani District, which has a negative impact on the lives of young people by increasing their susceptibility to sexual health issues. Aim/ purpose This study sought to develop strategies to promote sexuality education for care givers of primary school learners. The research objectives were to explore and describe the experiences of the learners on sexuality education at home and school, to explore and describe the views of parents regarding promotion of sexuality education, to explore and describe the experiences of Life Orientation teachers on providing sexuality education for the learner, to conceptualise the findings into a conceptual framework that will guide the development of strategies, to develop and validate the strategies to promote sexuality education for caregivers of primary school learners. Method: This research was conducted in two phases. The first phase employed qualitative approach. The findings from the qualitative were merged through a comparison of three. Findings of different participant groups. The second phase focused on developing and validating strategies to improve sexuality education for caregivers of primary school learners who have a role in adolescents' development and sexual experiences. The study of strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities, and threats was applied to phase one’s merged findings. The Basic Logic Model and Build, Overcome, Eliminate and Minimise model were utilised to design plans based on the SWOT findings plans based on the SWOT findings plans. The generated solutions were validated by the application of the Delphi method and distribution of a check list to the participants to provide feedback on the developed strategies, and this feedback were incorporated into the final versions of the strategies. The results: Through a qualitative inquiry, key attributes, and concerns of promoting sexuality education were identified. Implementation of these strategies could facilitate collaboration between the department of health and the department of education in promoting sex. Enhance parent –learner and teacher learner communication. Enhance continues capacity building for parent and teachers to empower them with knowledge and skills. Conclusion: The study revealed that sexual health education is lacking in schools and at home. There is role shifting taking place between teacher, parents, and religious leaders. The study findings highlighted that learners require information on matters such as pregnancy, menstruation and contraception but communication is not happening effectively.