Exploring Adolescent Reproductive Health Care Perceptions and Practices among Secondary School Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The study was set up to explore adolescent reproductive health care perceptions and practices among secondary school students in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess the perceptions of adolescent reproductive health care, to explore the perceptions and attitudes towards the use of contraceptives in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methodologically, the study used the survey research design of cross-sectional. Also, the multi-stage sampling technique involving the fishbowl technique, convenience, and purposive sample technique was used for this study. The sample size of 346 was considered using appropriate sample size determination. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection of which only 244 were returned and used for analysis. The key informants interviewed to complement the quantitative data use was also used. The SPSS was subsequently used to analyse the. The descriptive and inference statistics of frequency distribution and Chi-square was used to test hypothesis one and two. The study found among others that the perception and awareness of adolescent secondary school students on reproductive health, use of contraceptives, and knowledge of STDs was relatively low. Arising from the findings, the study recommended among others that curriculum planners should include sex education as compulsory subjects in secondary schools.