Title:
A Literature Review on Factors Influencing the Acceptability of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Secondary Education Level in Bangladesh.
Authors:
Das, Nipa
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Year:
2025
PAGE:
57
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), Acceptability, Adolescents, Bangladesh, Secondary Education Level
Abstract:
Background Adolescents in Bangladesh face significant barriers to accessing accurate, inclusive, and culturally appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). Despite global recognition of CSE’s role in improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes, implementation in Bangladesh remains fragmented and controversial due to sociocultural and institutional challenges. This thesis investigates the factors influencing the acceptability of CSE among secondary school students in Bangladesh, to identify strategies for more culturally resonant and effective delivery. Method A theory-driven literature review was conducted, guided by the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Sources included peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and reports from international and local organizations. Result and Conclusion Study findings highlight that the adolescents’ acceptability of CSE is shaped by limited and inconsistent information, gendered norms, and feelings of shame. Interpersonal influences, particularly parents, teachers, and peers, play a critical role and often reinforce stigma or misinformation. Institutional constraints, including inadequate training and weak curriculum coherence, hinder effective CSE delivery. At the community and policy levels, religious beliefs and a lack of a dedicated national CSE policy contribute to resistance and fragmentation. The study concludes that acceptability can be improved through culturally adapted, participatory approaches that engage stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Policy coherence, teacher training, and context-sensitive curriculum development are essential to creating supportive environments for adolescents to access accurate and respectful CSE.
Organization:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Institute:
KIT Institute
Country:
Bangladesh
Region:
South Asia
Training:
Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity
Category:
research
Right:
© 2025 Das
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
o7YiqbFOL9_20251211134737540.pdf