Developing a music therapy informed sexual and reproductive health programme for adolescents in children’s homes

Abstract

South Africa’s adolescent population is at high risk of adverse sexual outcomes, attributed to a range of factors at multiple levels. These risk factors, which impact both sexual and health-seeking behaviours, are particularly present in the lives of adolescents living in children’s homes. Music frequently informs adolescent identity, communication, and motivation. Despite this, music-centred models for adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion are non-existent in South Africa. This research project, therefore, aimed to explore how a music therapy informed sexual and reproductive health programme could be developed for use with adolescents in children’s homes. The study was conducted in three stages: (1) a scoping review of the literature surrounding adolescent SRH programmes in South Africa was completed; (2) a framework for a music therapy informed programme that drew on the findings of the scoping review was developed; and (3) a focus group was facilitated with professionals who had relevant experience and expertise that could be drawn on to further develop the programme. The three stages of methodology culminated in the development and refinement of a framework for a music therapy informed programme that is grounded in the literature and informed by knowledgeable stakeholders in the field. The music-centred approach was well received, and the results of the focus group highlighted the importance of skilled and experienced facilitators, the usefulness of structure, and the value of a participant-led approach. Necessary steps for the further development of this programme could include investigation into and development of a facilitator training package, and piloting the programme to gain a practical understanding of the limitations and successes of the intervention.