More than 840 Learners Interviewed in Research into Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Zambia

Research by a PhD graduate Dr Bright Mukanga investigated the effectiveness and cultural relevance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Zambian secondary schools, specifically focusing on Grade 12 adolescents in Kitwe.

Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, Mukanga surveyed 847 students from 13 secondary schools and followed this up with qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Alarmingly, the study found a 40.4% prevalence of risky sexual behaviour (RSB) among adolescents. Key risk factors included alcohol consumption, early sexual debut, exposure to pornography, school location, and family structure. Protective factors included active religious participation.

Despite national CSE policies, implementation challenges were rampant – limited funding, socio-cultural resistance, inadequate teacher training and lack of integration with health services were key barriers.

The study found that many stakeholders, including educators and parents, were conflicted about CSE’s content, citing perceived cultural misalignment. Students, while generally receptive, reported low engagement and limited participation due to time constraints and curriculum delivery issues.

Mukanga’s study calls for a more contextual, culturally sensitive and skills-based approach to sexuality education. ‘To be effective, CSE must not exist in isolation, it should be linked to structural interventions and health services. Stakeholder co-creation is vital,’ he said.

Mukanga, a youth advocate from Kitwe in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, graduated with a PhD in Public Health.

‘While serving as a Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) secretary before university, I developed a deep interest in the sexual and reproductive health challenges young people face,’ he reflected. ‘Through continued interactions, I realised the urgent need to address these issues holistically, through research, education and policy influence.’

Currently a lecturer and researcher at the Copperbelt University’s School of Medicine, Mukanga is deeply involved in curriculum development, student supervision, and advancing public health research.

Looking ahead, he is committed to expanding his impact. ‘I plan to continue conducting research that influences policy and improves adolescent and youth sexual health outcomes, not only in Zambia but across the region.’

Outside his job, Mukanga finds joy in simple pleasures including reading, swimming, football, sightseeing and fishing. He credits much of his academic success to the guidance of his PhD supervisors, Dr Siyabonga Blessing Dlamini and Professor Myra Taylor, who he says played pivotal roles in his scholarly development.

Dlamini congratulated Mukanga: ‘I am proud of the work Dr Mukanga has done, including publishing in peer-reviewed high impact journals. It’s been a treat supervising him along his PhD journey. I wish him all the best going forward.’

Words: Maryann Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini