KNOWLEDGE OF PUBERTY, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG VERY YOUNG MALE ADOLESCENT STUDENTS’ IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Agofure Otovwe (MPH)*, Okande Ji-Barry R. Oghenebriorue (MPH) and Okafor N. Rosemary (BSc)

ABSTRACT

Aim: There is impassable knowledge on the transition between childhood and adulthood among adolescents. This study was designed to investigate the knowledge of puberty, sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviour among very young male adolescent students in South-South, Nigeria. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used. Place and Duration of Study: Agbor Metropolis in Delta State, Nigeria, between February to April 2015. Methodology: The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods and was conducted among male adolescent students (10-15 years). The discussants were grouped into ages 10-12 years and 13-15 years. A total of four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among the two groups in two secondary schools in the study area, while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analysed thematically for themes and content, while the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 15.0. Results: The study shows most of the respondents 93(94.90%) have heard of puberty and were able to define puberty 62(66.70%). Furthermore, majority of the respondents have heard of the word HIV 95(96.90%), but none could properly define the correct meaning of the acronym HIV. In addition, 79(80.60%) have heard of STI but few 3(3.10%) have heard of the word contraceptive; while only 28(28.60%) of the respondents have a girlfriend, out of which only 5(5.10%) have had sex. Conclusions: The results shows some of the respondents are already sexually active at that young age, therefore more health education programs targeting these group of students should be carried out regularly in secondary schools nationwide.

Keywords: Knowledge, puberty, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexual behaviour, Very Young male Adolescent.