Abstract |
This study sought to investigate the forms and challenges of adult education programmes on reproductive health in Mungwi District. Many Adult Education strategies are employed by health providers to disseminate information on reproductive health in Zambia and in Mungwi District in particular. However, not much is known nor documented about the forms and challenges of adult education programmes in Mungwi District. This study used a case study design to help the researcher gain detailed insight into forms and challenges of adult education programmes which promote reproductive health in Mungwi District. Furthermore, a case study was used to collect in-depth information and subjective feelings from the respondents on the subject under study. This research design allowed the triangulation of data which in turn helped to explain fully the phenomenon under study. Data was collected using both questionnaires and an interview guide. Qualitative data was analyzed by coding and classifying the themes that emerged from the responses. Quantitative data was analysed by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 which was used to generate frequency tables through cross tabulation. The study revealed that Vocation and Skills Training, Literacy, HIV and AIDS Education, Agriculture Extension and Health Education were the major forms of adult education in Mungwi District used to disseminate adult education reproductive health programmes. Health education was the most used form of adult education in the area. The greatest challenge faced by participants had to do with funding. The respondents indicated that lack of adequate funding for reproductive health programmes adversely affected the implementation of reproductive health programmes in Mungwi District. The study recommended that: the Ministry of Health, Society for Family Health, Maristopes and other organizations whose mandate is to promote reproductive health should strengthen awareness campaigns for dissemination of information and early management of reproductive health related diseases such as cancers; programme implementers should sensitize men and women on the existence of gender disparity and the benefits of gender balance in matters related to reproductive health; and the government should empower women with knowledge, and skills to develop their self-esteem and assertiveness to enable them make positive decisions regarding their reproductive health. |