Soul Beat Africa
African development action with informed and engaged societies
Soul Beat Africa
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
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Economic Support, CSE, and Community Dialogue - Lowered Unprotected Sexual Activity

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Strategy researched
Economic support combined with: (i) community and parent meetings per year on the benefits of girls' education and postponement of early marriage and childbearing; and (ii) youth clubs providing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the participants and boys in the same class (combined intervention arm)

Impact achieved
Economic support and the additional CSE and community dialogue were effective in lowering unprotected sexual activity (risk ratio (RR) 0.53 for combined support vs. control; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.75). The addition of CSE and community dialogue improved contraceptive use among those recently sexually active (RR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.50) and knowledge regarding contraceptives (RR 1.18; 95% CI 1.01-1.38) compared to economic support alone.

Country of study
Zambia

Research methodology
Cluster RCT with 4,922 girls

Journal
Social Science & Medicine; 2022

Journal paper title and link
Effects of economic support, comprehensive sexuality education and community dialogue on sexual behaviour: Findings from a cluster-RCT among adolescent girls in rural Zambia

Excerpt from Abstract
"These findings indicate that economic support in combination with CSE and community dialogue can improve the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls."