Developing Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Girls Through a Peer Mentoring Approach in Nursing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v16i03.020Abstract
Background: The level of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health remains limited in Indonesia. Nurses as educators facilitate adolescents in understanding the information about reproductive health, such as myths during menstruation, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, the information obtained will not be misinterpreted. Objective: This research aims to increase the knowledge of adolescent girls about sexual and reproductive health using a peer mentoring approach. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental quantitative research study with a pre-test and post-test one-group design. The participants were chosen using the total sample technique, obtained from 35 students aged 10-18 who attended the Andalusia Batam Islamic School. Mentoring is carried out by mentors who have received previous training for 1 month for 4 meetings. Questionnaires were given before and after the intervention to assess knowledge levels of students. The data was processed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and then the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was carried out to see the effect of the interventions. Results: The level of knowledge before the intervention was in the low category of 77.1% (n=27) and the medium category of 22.9% (n=8). Meanwhile, after the intervention, the level of knowledge in the low category was 28.6% (n=10), and the medium category increased to 71.4% (n=25). A statistically significant influence of education was observed when using the peer approach method, along with an improvement in the knowledge of adolescent girls, with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: The peer mentoring approach has proven effective in increasing adolescent girls’ knowledge of sensitive themes related to sexual and reproductive health. This suggests that adding peer mentoring to adolescent health education can boost awareness and improve health outcomes.
Keywords:
Adolescent Girls, Knowledge Level, Peer Mentoring, Reproductive HealthDownloads
References
Alston, G. D., & Hansman, C. A. (2020). Mentoring in adult and continuing education. In The handbook of adult and continuing education (1st ed., p. 10). Routledge, New York. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003447849-14
Antopolskaya, T. A., Logvinova, M. I., Silakov, A. S., & Panov, V. I. (2022). Adolescents of Generation Z: the development of personal agency in the environment of additional education. European Journal of Contemporary Education, 11(3), 686-695. https://doi.org/10.13187/ejced.2022.3.686
Asefa, A., Gebremedhin, S., Delamou, A., Marchal, B., & Benová, L. (2024). Is MIStreatment of women during facility-based childbirth an independent risk factor for Postpartum Depression in Ethiopia and Guinea? A mixed methods prospective study protocol—MISPOD study. Reproductive Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01850-w
Bearak, J. M., Popinchalk, A., Beavin, C., Ganatra, B., Moller, A. B., Tunçalp, Ö., & Alkema, L. (2022). Country-specific estimates of unintended pregnancy and abortion incidence: a global comparative analysis of levels in 2015–2019. BMJ Global Health, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007151
Birger, L., Benyamini, Y., Goor, Y., Sahar, Z., & Peled, E. (2024). Reproductive healthcare utilization for women in the sex trade: a qualitative study. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-024-00627-7
Brock, H., Dwinger, S., Bergelt, C., Sender, A., Geue, K., Mehnert-Theuerkauf, A., & Richter, D. (2024). Peer2Me–evaluation of a peer supported program for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients: study protocol of a randomised trial using a comprehensive cohort design. BMC Cancer, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-12547-5
Bryson, A. E., Boskey, E. R., Grubb, L. K., Shim, J. Y., & Fay, K. E. (2024). Factors affecting willingness to provide medication abortion among north american society for pediatric and adolescent gynecology members caring for adolescents and young adults following the dobbs decision. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 37(6), 586-594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2024.07.013
Butler, N., Quigg, Z., Wilson, C., McCoy, E., & Bates, R. (2024). The Mentors in Violence Prevention programme: impact on students’ knowledge and attitudes related to violence, prejudice, and abuse, and willingness to intervene as a bystander in secondary schools in England. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18210-9
Cardoso, L. F., Scolese, A. M., Hamidaddin, A., & Gupta, J. (2021). Period poverty and mental health implications among college-aged women in the United States. BMC Women's Health, 21, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01149-5
Comulada, W. S., Step, M., Fletcher, J. B., Tanner, A. E., Dowshen, N. L., Arayasirikul, S., ... & Special Projects of National Significance Social Media Initiative Study Group. (2020). Predictors of internet health information–seeking behaviors among young adults living with HIV across the United States: Longitudinal observational study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(11). https://doi.org/10.2196/18309
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications, US. Retrieved from: https://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ucg.ac.me/skladiste/blog_609332/objava_105202/fajlovi/Creswell.pdf Accessed on 14th jan, 2024
Davidson, N., Hammarberg, K., & Fisher, J. (2024). Primary healthcare providers’ knowledge, practices and beliefs relating to preventive sexual and reproductive health care for women from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds in Australia: a national cross-sectional survey. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 30(5). https://doi.org/10.1071/PY23171
DeMaria, A. L., Delay, C., Sundstrom, B., Wakefield, A. L., Naoum, Z., Ramos-Ortiz, J., ... & Brig, K. (2020). “My mama told me it would happen”: menarche and menstruation experiences across generations. Women & Health, 60(1), 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2019.1610827
Desrosiers, A., Betancourt, T., Kergoat, Y., Servilli, C., Say, L., & Kobeissi, L. (2020). A systematic review of sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people in humanitarian and lower-and-middle-income country settings. BMC Public Health, 20, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08818-y
Drossard, S., & Härtl, A. (2024). Development and implementation of digital peer mentoring in small groups for first-year medical students. GMS Journal for Medical Education, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.3205/zma001666
Espinoza, C., Samandari, G., & Andersen, K. (2020). Abortion knowledge, attitudes and experiences among adolescent girls: a review of the literature. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2020.1744225
Findlay, R. J., Macrae, E. H., Whyte, I. Y., Easton, C., & Forrest, L. J. (2020). How the menstrual cycle and menstruation affect sporting performance: experiences and perceptions of elite female rugby players. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(18), 1108-1113. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101486
Kumsa, H., Mislu, E. K., Arage, M. W., Kidie, A. A., Hailu, T., & Tenaw, L. A. (2024). Prevalence and determinants of pregnancy termination in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073799
Logie, C. H., Abela, H., Turk, T., Parker, S., & Gholbzouri, K. (2021). Sexual and reproductive health self-care interventions in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: findings from a cross-sectional values and preferences survey to inform WHO normative guidance on self-care interventions. Health Research Policy and Systems, 19, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-00659-w
Mataraarachchi, D., Buddhika Mahesh, P. K., Pathirana, T. E. A., & Vithana, P. V. S. C. (2024). Development and implementation of a worksite-based intervention to improve mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills in sharing information with their adolescent daughters on preventing sexual violence: lessons learned in a developing setting, Sri Lanka. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18416-x
McGuire, M. F., Ortega, E., Patel, R., Paz-Soldán, V. A., & Riley-Powell, A. R. (2024). Seeking information and services associated with reproductive health among rural Peruvian young adults: exploratory qualitative research from Amazonas, Peru. Reproductive Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01769-2
Mekonnen, B. D., Vasilevski, V., Bali, A. G., & Sweet, L. (2024). Association between pregnancy intention and completion of newborn and infant continuum of care in Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pediatrics, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05036-y
Mohammed, S., & Larsen-Reindorf, R. E. (2020). Menstrual knowledge, sociocultural restrictions, and barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Ghana: Evidence from a multi-method survey among adolescent schoolgirls and schoolboys. PloS One, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241106
Mostert, K., Sethole, K. M., Khumisi, O., Peu, D., Thambura, J., Ngunyulu, R. N., & Mulaudzi, M. F. (2020). Sexual knowledge and practice of adolescent learners in a rural South African school. African Health Sciences, 20(1), 28-38. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i1.6
Munro, A. K., Hunter, E. C., Hossain, S. Z., & Keep, M. (2021). A systematic review of the menstrual experiences of university students and the impacts on their education: a global perspective. PloS One, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257333
Mwamba, B., Mayers, P., & Shea, J. (2022). Sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa. Reproductive Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-022-01507-6
Nida, S., Tyas, A. S. A., Putri, N. E., Larasanti, A., Widoyopi, A. A., Sumayyah, R., ... & Espressivo, A. (2024). A systematic review of the types, workload, and supervision mechanism of community health workers: lessons learned for Indonesia. BMC Primary Care, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02319-2
Nimbhorkar, S. P., Jumade, P. P., & Rahate, N. P. (2023). Knowledge, perceptions, taboos, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in urban and rural areas of central India. Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 15(6), 696-702. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10006-2344
Nott, V. R., Hazell, G. A., Ayres, S., Kirkhope, N., Fidler, S., & Foster, C. (2023). Sexual and reproductive health needs of young women living with perinatally acquired HIV. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 34(11), 791-794. https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624231179768
Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan. (2019). Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 08 Tahun 2019 tentang Standar Pelayanan Kefarmasian di Apotek [Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 08 of 2019 on Pharmaceutical Service Standards in Pharmacies]. Lembaran Negara Republik Indonesia, 1. Retrieved from: https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/111722/permenkes-no-8-tahun-2019, Accessed on: 29th June, 2024.
Putri, A., Munirah, D., Sansuwito, T., Utami, R., & Ramadia, A. (2022). Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Among High School Students, Batam, Indonesia. Science Midwifery, 10(5), 4237-4245. https://doi.org/10.35335/midwifery.v10i5.1008
Qi, W., Li, H., Lian, Q., Zuo, X., Yu, C., Lou, C., & Tu, X. (2023). Knowledge level and access barriers related to sexual and reproductive health information among youth with disabilities in China: A cross-sectional study. Reproductive Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-023-01625-9
Ramalepa, T. N., & Netangaheni, T. R. (2024). A scoping review of strategies for adolescents' sexual and reproductive health role modelling. South African family practice: Official Journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care, 66(1), e1–e9. https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5859
Rivenes Lafontan, S., Jones, F., & Lama, N. (2024). Exploring comprehensive sexuality education experiences and barriers among students, teachers and principals in Nepal: a qualitative study. Reproductive Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01876-0
Seno, R., Engracia, M. K., Hairulla, N., Malubay, K. M., Santillana, L., & Orias, J. (2024). Knowledge and Attitude towards Contraceptive Use among Female University Students in a Higher Institution in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), 16(1), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i01.010
Ssemata, A. S., Ndekezi, D., Kansiime, C., Bakanoma, R., Tanton, C., Nelson, K. A., ... & MENISCUS Group. (2023). Understanding the social and physical menstrual health environment of secondary schools in Uganda: A qualitative methods study. PLOS Global Public Health, 3(11). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002665
Stockdale, L. A., & Coyne, S. M. (2020). Bored and online: Reasons for using social media, problematic social networking site use, and behavioral outcomes across the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 79, 173-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2020.01.010
Suwannarong, K., Amonsin, A., Ponlap, T., Thammasutti, K., Thongkan, W., Balthip, K., ... & Suwannarong, K. (2024). Beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices toward wildlife among different ethnicities in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand. BMC Public Health, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19941-5
Szcześniak, M., Bajkowska, I., Czaprowska, A., & Sileńska, A. (2022). Adolescents’ self-esteem and life satisfaction: Communication with peers as a mediator. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073777
Thapa, B., Powell, J., Yi, J., McGee, J., Landis, J., Rein, L., ... & Karmacharya, B. (2017). Adolescent health risk and behavior survey: A school based survey in central Nepal. Kathmandu University Medical Journal (KUMJ) 15, 301-307. Retrieved from: https://www.kumj.com.np/issue/60/301-307.pdf . Accessed on 29th June, 2024.
Tian, G., Rojas, N. M., Norton, J. M., Barajas-Gonzalez, R. G., Montesdeoca, J., & Kerker, B. D. (2024). The associations between social support and mental health among Chinese immigrant pregnant and parenting women. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06765-9
Tobe, L., Ilyas, K., Ingoglia, J. N., Addo-Ayensu, G., Revere, C., Allston, A., ... & Velasco, I. (2024). Public health youth ambassador program: educating and empowering the next generation of public health leaders to build thriving communities. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 35(3), 132-142. http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2024.a933287
Were, B. N., Mwangi, E. M., & Muiruri, L. W. (2024). Barriers of access to primary healthcare services by National Health Insurance Fund capitated members in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11282-8
World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2017). Malaria: fact sheet on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health targets. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. Retrieved from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/340834. Accessed on 17th march, 2024.
Worku, Y., Kassa, G. M., Mekonen, B., Desta, M., Bishaw, K. A., Gedfaw, M., ... & Shiferaw, A. (2024). Menstrual hygiene management practice and associated factors among high school and preparatory school adolescent students in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia: a mixed-method study. BMC Women's Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-03265-y
Zakaria, M., Karim, F., Mazumder, S., Cheng, F., & Xu, J. (2020). Knowledge on, attitude towards, and practice of sexual and reproductive health among older adolescent girls in Bangladesh: an institution-based cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217720
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
