Key Social Norms Take-aways Improvements in some individual attitudes about sexual and reproductive health were seen as contributors to normative change over time by challenging stigma and misinformation, even if collective norm shifts are not yet visible. The findings suggest that there is still a need for longer-term efforts and potentially more targeted strategies to directly address prevailing gender norms.
Objectives The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education in improving knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors among first-year university students in Ethiopia.
Methods A quasi-experimental design was used, with students from selected departments at Arba Minch University assigned to either an intervention or control arm. Data were collected through self-administered surveys at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and inverse probability-weighted models to evaluate changes and control for confounders.
Intervention Details The intervention consisted of a semester-long, curriculum-based course delivered weekly over 16 weeks. Topics included HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence. Sessions were interactive and led by faculty specialized in reproductive health and public health using lectures, discussions, role plays, and demonstrations.
Results Students in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge of HIV/AIDS, condoms, and contraceptive methods. Attitudes toward people living with HIV and toward condom use also improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Risky sexual behavior decreased among students in the intervention group, with a drop from 40.9% to 28.3%, while remaining unchanged in the control group. However, there were no statistically significant changes in contraceptive use, HIV screening rates, or attitudes toward gender-equitable norms.
Conclusions The intervention improved students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual and reproductive health and reduced engagement in risky sexual behavior in the short term. Although it did not impact gender norms directly, the changes in individual attitudes and behaviors suggest that curriculum-based education can serve as an important first step toward broader normative change. Scaling up and enhancing this approach may support longer-term social norm transformation among young adults in university settings.