SEX EDUCATION AS A STRATEGY FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS REDUCTION IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined sex education as a strategy for the reduction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents. Adolescents today are faced with modernisation which has impacted negative on their lives. It highlighted what sex education entailed to avoid high percentage of sexually -transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescents, under-aged mothers dying at child-birth and high rate of deaths among female youths due to abortion. Sex education for the awareness of adolescents to guide them against the risks attached to unguarded sexual activities is required.  A structured survey instrument was used in collecting data from a sample of 484 respondents for the study. Data generated were analysed using frequency distribution and Pearson coefficient correlation analysis. The findings revealed that there was significant relationship between sex education / awareness and knowledge of STIs reduction. It was also established that there was no significant relationship between sex education / awareness and attitude towards the reduction of STIs. The findings also revealed that there was a significant relationship between sex education / awareness of STIs reduction and reproductive behaviour of the adolescents. It is, therefore, recommended that the media should be used as a medium of campaign to educate adolescents about risky behaviours and to embrace the use of condoms, educating parents about reproductive health and encouraging communication with adolescents, training medical providers in low-cost diagnosis and treatment techniques, and establishing youth-friendly services that emphasise sensitivity and confidentiality. This would be helpful in reducing high-risk sexual behaviour and controlling the spread of STDs (including HIV and AIDs) among adolescents in Nigeria.