Empowering adolescents through structured learning: Impact of a self-instructional module on sexual and reproductive health knowledge

Background: Adolescents are a vulnerable group at risk of acquiring inadequate or misleading information regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH), often resulting in poor awareness of puberty, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Structured self-instructional modules (SIMs) are increasingly recognized as effective, scalable educational strategies that can strengthen factual knowledge in resource-constrained settings. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured self-instructional module in improving adolescents’ knowledge on SRH, with emphasis on contraception, STI/HIV prevention, puberty changes, and psychosocial aspects such as consent and healthy relationships. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 200 adolescents aged 17-20 years from a tertiary education institute were enrolled using purposive sampling. Baseline knowledge was assessed using a validated structured questionnaire, followed by administration of a SIM prepared in accordance with WHO and national adolescent health guidelines. Post-test knowledge was reassessed two weeks later. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t-test at a 95% confidence level, and chi-square test was used to explore associations with demographic variables. Results: The mean pre-test knowledge score was 9.5 ± 3.7, which significantly increased to 15.8 ± 2.9 post-intervention (t = 26.0, p< 0.001). The proportion of adolescents with ‘good’ knowledge improved from 17% at baseline to 80.5% post-test, while those in the ‘poor’ category reduced from 21.5% to 1%. The greatest gains were observed in knowledge related to puberty onset (+41%), contraception use (+36.5%), and STI/HIV prevention (+32%). Age and source of prior information were significantly associated with baseline knowledge levels (p< 0.05*), whereas gender, religion, education level, and prior exposure showed no significant association. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that structured self-instructional modules are an effective and practical approach for enhancing adolescents’ knowledge on sexual and reproductive health. By significantly improving biomedical understanding and partially addressing psychosocial gaps, SIMs can be integrated into school and community-based health programs. Strengthening adolescent SRH knowledge through such interventions holds promise for reducing the burden of unintended pregnancies, curbing STI/HIV transmission, and promoting healthier, more informed future generations.