title: Sexual and reproductive health knowledge, behaviour and education needs of in-school adolescents in northern Nigeria.
abstract: Adolescence is marked by progression from the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity. Curiosity about bodily changes is heightened. However, adolescents' perceived sexuality education needs have been poorly documented. A survey of 989 adolescents from 24 North-Eastern Nigerian secondary schools yielded information on socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health knowledge, sexual activities and sexuality education needs. Of the interviewed respondents, 72% of females had experienced menstruation. Overall, 9% were sexually active, 3.1% knew when ovulation occurs, 47% knew pregnancy could result from first coitus and 56% knew of contraception. 84% opined that adolescents should be given sexuality education but only 48.3% had received any. Sexuality education should be provided for in-school adolescents through their preferred and reliable sources of information.
authors.affiliation: Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Plot 815A, Army Officers Mess Road, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Adeokun
authors.forename: O L
authors.initials: OL
authors.lastname: Ricketts
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ajuwon
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Ladipo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008598:Menstruation; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009549:Nigeria; D012736:Sex Education; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors