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.