Stakeholders' Experiences and Preferences Regarding Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Zambia: Implications for Determining Programme Priorities and Strategies.

Background: Understanding and exploring stakeholders' perceptions and preferences regarding comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is critical in enhancing programme acceptability. We conducted this qualitative study to explore stakeholders' experiences and preferences of CSE in Kitwe district, Zambia.

Methods: We employed a qualitative descriptive design within the interpretive paradigm at nine purposefully selected secondary schools.

Adolescents' risky sexual behaviours and practices: Implications for sexuality education implementation in Zambia.

Background:  Adolescents' risky sexual behaviours (RSB) are detrimental to their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) well-being and present a serious public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Aim:  This study aims to assess RSB among Grade 12 school-going adolescents after exposure to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).

Setting:  This study was conducted in Kitwe district, Zambia.

Process evaluation of comprehensive sexuality education programme in Zambia: a focus on contextual factors, mechanisms of impact, quality of development and implementation process.

Background: Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is critical in addressing negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among adolescents. Yet in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Zambia, little is known about the impact, realities of CSE implementation, the quality of teaching and the comprehensiveness of the content covered.

Methods: Our approach was informed by a process evaluation incorporating recommendations by the European Expert Group guidance on evaluating sexuality education programmes and the Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines on process evaluation.

Perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia: a qualitative explorative study.

Background: Globally, hormonal contraceptives have proved to be effective in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. However, despite evidence of the many benefits associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, concerns related to their safety and side effects have been reported. We conducted a study to explore the perspectives on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kitwe district of Zambia.

COVID-19 positive cases among asymptomatic individuals during the second wave in Ndola, Zambia.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide public health concern for healthcare workers. About 80% of cases appear to be asymptomatic, and about 3% may experience hospitalisation and later die. Less than 20% of studies have looked at the positivity rate of asymptomatic individuals.

Male partner influence on Women's choices and utilisation of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia.

Background: Family planning services are essential in reducing maternal deaths as well as improving the reproductive and sexual health of women. Although family planning services are frequently focused on women, men are often the primary decision-makers. We conducted a study to explore male partner influence on women's choices and utilisation of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia.

Prevalence and correlates of voluntary medical male circumcision adverse events among adult males in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a key intervention in HIV/AIDS. Improving VMMC program uptake in Zambia requires careful monitoring of adverse events (AE) to inform program quality and safety. We investigate the prevalence of VMMC AE and their associated factors among adult males in Ndola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.

Sexual behaviour and risk compensation among single women of reproductive age using hormonal contraception in Zambia.

Objective: Developing countries have seen an increase in the use of hormonal contraception due to its high efficacy in preventing pregnancy. Our study assessed risk compensation among single women of reproductive age using hormonal contraception.

Methods: The study used data from a nationally representative, cross-sectional sample of the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).