IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF ADOLESCENTS WITH HEARING LOSS

Abstract

Knowledge about adolescent reproductive health plays an important role, especially for deaf adolescents who have limited access to information and access to reproductive health services. Deaf adolescents are often a marginalized group and do not receive enough attention. This study aimed to determine the reproductive health knowledge and behavior in deaf adolescents in Surabaya City. This research was a one group with the pre- and post-test design. The research was conducted at Junior High School/SMPLB KM Surabaya City, which is the largest special school for the deaf in Indonesia. Research respondents were all students of SMPLB KM Surabaya City grades VII, VIII, and IX as many as 30 students in 2018-2019. The variables studied were knowledge and behavior related to adolescent reproductive health including personal hygiene, puberty, fertile period, and adolescent relationships. Respondents were given a pre-test before getting the materials on adolescent health at school and a post-test afterward. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. The average pre-test knowledge score was 44.77, and after the provision of materials, it increased into 51.93. The results showed that there were differences in knowledge and behavior of reproductive health before and after the materials were given (p=0.046). Knowledge and behavior about anemia, menstruation, and correct sanitary napkins were still not well understood. It is important to ensure the level of knowledge and behavior of deaf adolescents so that they can pass through adolescence in a healthy manner. Special assistance can be provided for these adolescents.