title: Sources of sex information and its effects on sexual practices among in-school female adolescents in Osisioma Ngwa LGA, south east Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prevalence of adolescent sexual activity is on the increase globally, resulting in increased risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes among them. Sources of sex information are key factors that influence female adolescents' sexual decision-making. Consequently, this study is aimed at identifying adolescents' sources of sexuality information, and its likely effect on their sexual practices among in-school female adolescents in Osisioma LGA, in southeastern Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 304 girls selected by multi-stage sampling technique were studied. Responses were elicited from them using pretested, semi-structured, self administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and Epi-6.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary and subsequent sources of sexuality information were mainly the media and peers. Families and schools mostly were not involved in provision of early sex education. Media and peer influence were predominantly negative. Female adolescents' knowledge of issues of sex was low. Premarital sex, early sexual initiation, and unprotected sex was common among them. Consequently, adverse implication of negative sexual behavior, such as unplanned pregnancies and induced abortion, was prevalent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study highlights the need for increased roles of parents and teachers in early sexuality education of adolescent girls. This can be done by increasing capacity of parents to discuss sexuality issues with their children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Abia State University, Aba Campus, Aba. hugouche@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ugochukwu U
authors.initials: UU
authors.lastname: Onyeonoro
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Oshi
authors.forename: Eugene C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ndimele
authors.forename: Nneoma C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Chuku
authors.forename: Ifunanya L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Onyemuchara
authors.forename: Sandra C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ezekwere
authors.forename: Sarah N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Oshi
authors.forename: Obiageli F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Emelumadu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D009549:Nigeria; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires