Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the teacher's role in sexuality education in public schools in Nigeria.
The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitude, and perception of teachers of their role in the sexuality education of secondary school students with a viewto suggesting strategies for improvement.


METHODS
The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Information was collected from 305 secondary school teachers selected by multi-stage random sampling method from Osun state, Nigeria using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Median age of respondents was 36 +/- 8.18 years. Male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Knowledge about key reproductive issues was poor and inadequate. Knowledge of more than one contraceptive method was low (39.0%), Condom was the most frequently mentioned (59.3%). The teachers exhibited poor perception of their role in sexuality education of their students. 52.8% placed the sole responsibility for sexuality education on parents and only 20.7% found that it should start before age 10 years. Mean menarcheal age was 13.1 +/- 1.7 y. A statistically significant association was found between respondents' gender and knowledge of menarcheal age (p = .03); and between class taught and knowledge of menarcheal age (p = .003). 86.90% had positive attitude towards inclusion of sexuality education in the school curriculum; however, 43.6% felt that contraceptive methods should not be part of the course content.


CONCLUSIONS
An urgent need exists for education and re-orientation of teachers through seminars and workshops, in-service training education program to equip them properly for the task. Policy makers need to formulate a definite, explicit, and workable sexuality education policy.
Asekun-Olarinmoye
Esther O
EO
Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4400, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. estoaskol@yahoo.com
Fawole
Olufunmilayo I
OI
Dairo
Magbagbeola D
MD
Amusan
Oluwatoyin A
OA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003267:Contraception; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D024382:Professional Role; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors