Students of the Masters of Public Health (MPH) at Ensign College wrapped up a community study that looked at adolescent behavior and socio-ecological factors in the Asuogyaman and Lower Manya Krobo Districts.
In the Social and Behavioral Sciences coursework, MPH students at EGC were introduced to several evidence-based behavior theories to understand and explain human behavior. One of these theories is the Social Ecological Model (SEM), which outlines how various factors at different levels of influence impact behavior. In the Family and Reproductive Health class, students applied this model in an exercise to engage adolescents in selected primary and Junior high schools in discussions on selected adolescent behaviors.
On May 19, the study concluded as students presented their findings and practical recommendations to a panel of facilitators. The panel included Ofeibea Asare, a PhD candidate in population health; University of Ottawa, Nana Efua Konadu from the Asuogyaman District, Doreen Awuah, a mental health nurse, Mr. Evans Tetteh, the SHEP coordinator, Rose Lawer, the health promotion officer for Lower Manya, and faculty members from Ensign Global College, Dr Millicent Ofori Boateng and Dr Sandra Boatemaa Kushitor.
Ensign students collaborated with six schools located in the district and focused on various topics and behaviors including, early sex, menstrual hygiene, smoking and substance abuse, dietary habits, adolescent pregnancy, and physical activity. These behaviours were chosen based on community stakeholder engagements. During the study, each topic was highlighted and discussed in depth at specific schools in hopes that providing education on the topic may help adolescents who participated in the program have awareness and information to make informed decisions.
Dr. Ofori Boateng and Dr. Kushitor intend to collaborate with the upcoming group of students to investigate potential methods of encouraging healthy habits among adolescents in the districts.
The final presentation highlighted Ensign Global College students’ remarkable research capabilities and also created a platform for open dialogue on how these topics can be addressed in the future to promote a safer, healthier, and more empowered young population.