Sexual and Reproductive Health Practices of In–School Adolescents in an Urban Community in Southwest Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1104-07-305Keywords:
Adolescence, Reproductive health, Sexual behaviour, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Unsafe sexAbstract
Background: Adolescents in developing countries such as Nigeria are confronted with numerous reproductive health issues; however, their expertise and reproductive health practices continue to be inadequate. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a contextual analysis of the factors affecting the sexual and reproductive health practices of Nigerian adolescents.
Objective: To assess adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design among 400 adolescents selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.0 ± 1.5 years. In this study, 40.2% of the participants have good knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Respondents with safe reproductive health practices were 91.8%. Factors associated with good, safe reproductive health practices were age group (p = 0.024), gender (p < 0.001), ethnicity (p = 0.029), and overall scoring of knowledge about reproductive health issues (p < 0.001). The predictors of safe reproductive practices were respondents’ gender (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.090- 0.577) and knowledge on reproductive issues (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 1.047-0.556)
Conclusion: Two-fifths of respondents have good knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Factors identified as influencing respondents' good sexual and reproductive health practices include gender and level of knowledge. Policy makers urgently need to focus on activities that enhance understanding of sexual and reproductive issues, followed by promoting safe reproductive health practices, particularly among men.
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