Teaching reproductive healthcare services in public high schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Experiences of school principals and professional nurses

The study investigates the experiences by teachers of teaching reproductive healthcare services related modules at school to young women in developing countries. These experiences highlight the complexity of youth sexual and reproductive health problems and their negative impact on teenagers. The study focuses on understanding the experiences of school principals and professional nurses in facilitating the teaching of reproductive healthcare in public high schools, with the goal of improving knowledge and access to services for school-going teenage girls. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study used qualitative research methods, including interviews with school principals, deputy principals and professional nurses. Data analysis revealed three main themes: challenges in healthcare and education systems, contextual factors influencing learner behaviour and personal factors affecting school-going teenage girls. The study emphasises the importance of skilled teachers and comprehensive training to empower educators in reproductive healthcare teaching. Ethical principles were followed during the study. In conclusion, this study identified the essential support and resources that school principals and professional nurses require to promote the teaching of reproductive healthcare to ultimately empowering school-going teenage girls to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.