Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behaviour and Education Needs of In-School Adolescents in Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Adolescence is marked by progression from the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics to sexual

and reproductive maturity. Curiosity about bodily changes is heightened. However, adolescents'

perceived sexuality education needs have been poorly documented. A survey of 989 adolescents from 24

North-Eastern Nigerian secondary schools yielded information on socio-demographic characteristics,

reproductive health knowledge, sexual activities and sexuality education needs. Of the interviewed

respondents, 72% of females had experienced menstruation. Overall, 9% were sexually active, 3.1%

knew when ovulation occurs, 47% knew pregnancy could result from first coitus and 56% knew of

contraception. 84% opined that adolescents should be given sexuality education but only 48.3% had

received any. Sexuality education should be provided for in-school adolescents through their preferred

and reliable sources of information (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[4 J:37-49).

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