Effects of sexual health education on adolescence in Saint Patrick's, secondary school, Awka, Anambra state

Abstract: Introduction: Sexuality education can improve adolescents’ knowledge and shape healthier attitudes and practices. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes/practices, and information sources regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among students of St. Patrick’s Catholic Secondary School, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among secondary school students (SS1–SS3). Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages. The study report also included linear regression analyses to examine whether sexual health education predicted attitudes/practices and whether information sources predicted SRH knowledge; statistical significance was reported using p-values. Results: One hundred students participated (mean age 16.08 years); 57% were female. SRH concept awareness was high: 97% reported knowing what SRH means and 97% understood puberty changes. However, only 45% could identify sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Awareness of contraceptives was 60%, and 90% reported knowing how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Attitudes were generally favorable: 94% agreed abstinence prevents STIs and pregnancy, and 83% reported that sexual health education helped delay sexual activity. Nonetheless, only 39% would consider contraceptive use if sexually active. Teachers (91%) and school seminars/workshops (90%) were the most common SRH information sources, followed by parents/guardians (84%) and the internet (64%). The study report indicated that sexual health education significantly influenced attitudes/practices (p=0.000) and that information sources significantly influenced knowledge (p=0.002). Conclusion: School-based sexual health education was associated with positive attitudes and self-reported practices, but specific knowledge gaps (STIs) and low willingness to use contraception persisted. Strengthening comprehensive sexuality education, improving STI-specific content, engaging parents, and linking students to youth-friendly services are recommended. Keywords: sexuality education; adolescents; sexual and reproductive health; knowledge; attitudes; information sources; Nigeria. Title: Effects of sexual health education on adolescence in Saint Patrick’s, secondary school, Awka, Anambra state. Author: Josephat Chukwudi Akabuike, Ifeanyi Gabriel Eyisi, Ifeoma Anne Njelita, Chioma Silvia Eyisi, Akabuike Chioma, Chinyerem Cynthia Nwachukwu International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning ISSN 2394-9686 Vol. 13, Issue 2, March 2026 - April 2026 Page No: 73-77 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 30-March-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19333777 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Effects%20of%20sexual%20health%20education-30032026-1.pdf