Knowledge and Practices of Reproductive Health among Adolescence Students in Secondary School, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to understand the awareness and practice of adolescent reproductive health care among secondary school students in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess awareness of adolescent reproductive health care, and assess knowledge of communicable diseases and sexually transmitted (IST). Then, relevant literatures were reviewed and social ecological modelling (SEM) was used. Methodologically, the study uses a cross-sectional survey research design. Furthermore, multistage sampling technique including fish tank sampling technique, convenience and purposeful sampling technique was used for this study. A sample size of 346 was calculated using the appropriate sample size determination method. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, of which only 244 questionnaires were returned and used for analysis. Key informant interviews to supplement the use of quantitative data were also used. Then, SPSS was used to analyze the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency distribution and chi-square were used to test hypotheses one and two, while linear regression was used to test hypothesis three. The study found, among other things, that high school adolescents' awareness and awareness of reproductive health, contraceptive use, and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases were relatively low.. Based on these findings, the study recommended that curriculum planners include sex education in required subjects in high school; Traditional and religious leaders should allow sex education to be introduced in schools. They should also act as change agents by providing adequate knowledge to school-aged children who are more vulnerable to sexual activities.