Knowledge and Effect of Sex Education on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Adolescence is an important aspect of human development and so is their sexual health. Several studies have focused on prevalence of sexual practices and pregnancies among this unique group, very few have however, focused on the knowledge and effect of sex education on their sexual health especially in Oyo state. Social Action theory and health belief model were utilized as framework for explanation. A survey was carried out on 400 secondary school adolescent students in Ibadan North Local Government Area selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on content of sex education received, knowledge and effect of sex education on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with parents of the adolescents. Quantitative Data was analyzed using inferential statistics while the qualitative data were content analyzed. Findings revealed that adolescents were aware of pubertal changes with more females having higher knowledge of their sexuality than their male counterparts. But when asked other questions, adolescents showed incomplete knowledge on sexuality. About 42% got informed from their schools, 17% from their homes, 15% from friends and 20% from the internet. Adolescents reported that teachers and parents/guardians had taught them on the need to practice abstinence during interactions on sexual issues. Sex education taught at home was reported to be more emotional and moral-laden.  Hence large proportions (over 60%) reported they had not initiated sexual activities although not because of sex education received. There is need to establish more programs that target both knowledge and behavioral change for adolescents’ sexual health, while increased parent-adolescence communication on sexual issues should be encouraged for more positive impact.

Keywords: adolescent sexual health, sex education, abstinence, reproductive health