Operational Research on Transformative Education about Health and Sexual and Reproductive Rights During Adolescents’ Initiation Rituals

Abstract

Introduction: Teachings during adolescent initiation rituals in Mozambique are one of the causes of adolescent pregnancy, high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, school dropout and premature marriage. Research in Nampula, “Alert Community for a Prepared Hospital”, identified rituals leaders and counsellors as relevant agents to achieve sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents. Lúrio University’s partnership with the University of Saskatchewan in Canada obtained funding for this operational research. Meetings were held with local partners and with the actors involved in the rites. The organisers of the ceremonies are the resource persons for a transformative education intervention on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights. Objective: Assess education provided in adolescent’ initiation rituals about sexual and reproductive health and rights. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study, using interviews, carried out in Lúrio University Campus in October 2022. The recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki were respected, and the study had the approval of the Bioethics Committees for Health at Lúrio University and the University of Saskatchewan. Results: 17 organisers were interviewed, 15 men and 2 women, with an average age of 54 years, mostly with primary schooling and peasants, living in various neighbourhoods of Nampula. The interviewees show significant differences, but also some homogeneity in the teaching given, although limitations are found on sexual and reproductive health, with the subject of contraceptives being scarcely broached. The teaching on interpersonal respect is mentioned, however, this orientation shows gender inequity. Conclusion: Rituals organisers are a traditional class of broad social impact but reveal little knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and rights. Informing this group and educating the rituals counsellors will be necessary to achieve adolescents’ behaviour changes.