Sexual Health And Academic Experience Among Female Adolescents With Visual Impairment In Ghana

Abstract

The study explored the sexual health and academic experience of female adolescents with visual impairment in Ghana. Using an embedded mixed method design, five inclusive Senior High Schools (SHSs) were selected for the study. Overall, 71 female adolescents with visual impairment (FAVI) participated in the quantitative aspect of the study, however, 14 participants were purposively selected for the qualitative aspect of the study. Data gathered with the questionnaire was analysed using mean, standard deviation, percentages (%), ANOVA, and t-test, whilst the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that female adolescents with visual impairment had below-average levels of knowledge of sexual health. Religious background and age range had a significant influence on sexual health knowledge. Again, menstrual periods during school days/hours affected FAVI‟s academic experience. That is their class attendance, level of concentration on academic exercise during class hours or contact hours, and relationship with classmates were affected by students‟ menstrual cycle. FAVI‟s relationship with their male teachers was also affected in that male teachers probably did not understand the full impact of menstruation and therefore had a challenge understanding these students in class during their menstrual periods. The study recommended that Guidance and Counselling Units in the various SHSs should as a matter of urgency prioritize the provision of guidance on sexual health to improve FAVI experience of sexual health, especially issues related to menstrual health.