IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING AND REPRODUCTIVE MATURITY READINESS THROUGH Q&A METHODS IN MUHAMMADIYAH ADIWERNA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Adolescence is a developmental phase characterized by the maturity of reproductive organs, which is often not accompanied by adequate understanding. Lack of knowledge can cause anxiety and mistakes in dealing with experiences such as menarche and wet dreams. This community service activity aims to improve adolescents' understanding, attitudes, and skills related to reproductive maturity through the Question and Answer (Q&A) method. The activity was attended by 184 students of SMP Muhammadiyah Adiwerna, consisting of 84 female adolescents and 50 male adolescents. Evaluation was conducted using a category-based assessment instrument (good, average, poor). The results showed that most adolescents have good knowledge (60.4%), average knowledge (30.2%), and poor knowledge (9.5%). In terms of attitude and skills, 53.8% were in the good category, 40.2% average, and 5.9% still required guidance..

In adolescent girls, reproductive health problems were found such as not yet menstruating (6.2%), irregular cycles (13.4%), mild dysmenorrhea (17.5%), and moderate dysmenorrhea (4.1%). Meanwhile, in adolescent boys, no problems related to wet dreams were found. The Q&A method has been proven effective in improving adolescents' understanding and readiness in facing reproductive maturation.