“Ready for adolescence”: A school-based reproductive health education programme on menarche, wet dreams, and puberty for elementary school students

Kustin; Ainul Hidayati; Yuni Handayani; Firda Dwi Anugrah; Lailatul Rahmawati; Prehatin Trirahayu Ningrum

Authors

Kustin Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas dr. Soebandi, Jember, Indonesia Indonesia
Ainul Hidayati Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas dr. Soebandi, Jember, Indonesia Indonesia
Yuni Handayani Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas dr. Soebandi, Jember, Indonesia Indonesia
Firda Dwi Anugrah Nursing Professional Education Program, Bhakti Al Qodiri Institute of Health Sciences, Jember, Indonesia Indonesia
Lailatul Rahmawati Faculty of Public Health, Bakti Indonesia University, Banyuwangi, Indonesia Indonesia
Prehatin Trirahayu Ningrum Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Jember, Jember, Indonesia Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Elementary school students entering early adolescence experience physical and psychological changes associated with puberty. However, limited knowledge of menarche, wet dreams, and reproductive health may lead to misconceptions, anxiety, and unhealthy practices, highlighting the need for age-appropriate health education.

Problem Identification: A preliminary assessment at SDN Gebang 5 Jember indicated that many upper-grade students had inadequate understanding of puberty-related changes and reproductive health, while access to structured educational programmes on these topics was limited.

Methods: This community service programme involved 60 students from grades IV, V, and VI at SDN Gebang 5 Jember. The programme consisted of a pre-assessment, interactive educational sessions, group discussions, puberty case simulations, question-and-answer activities, and a post-intervention evaluation. Programme outcomes were evaluated using a structured questionnaire to assess participants’ knowledge of menarche, wet dreams, puberty-related changes, and reproductive health.

Results: The programme significantly improved participants’ knowledge of puberty and reproductive health. The proportion of students with good knowledge increased from 20% before the intervention to 80% afterward. The average knowledge score increased from 62.5 to 88.3, while the percentage of correct responses improved from 51.0% to 96.5%, indicating greater readiness to understand and manage pubertal changes.

Conclusion: The community service programme effectively enhanced elementary school students’ knowledge and preparedness for puberty through interactive reproductive health education. Similar school-based educational initiatives are recommended to strengthen adolescents’ health literacy and promote healthy developmental behaviours from an early age.

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