Promoting and Protecting the Sexual and Reproductive Health of Adolescents in Anambra State South East Nigeria: Implications for Counseling

Abstract

Sexuality activity during adolescence puts adolescents at risk of sexual and
reproductive health problems. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine
the factors that contribute to adolescent reproductive health problem and
what to be done to promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health of
adolescents. Two research questions and one null hypothesis guided the
study. Study sample consisted of all 144 practicing school counsellors in
Anambra State. The instrument used for data collection was constructed by
the researchers. The data collected were analyzed using means to answer
research questions while the hypothesis was tested using t-test statistics at
0.05 level of significance. The results indicated no significant difference on
the respondents’ mean ratings of male and female counsellors on what to be
done to promote and protect the sexual and reproductive health of
adolescents. Recommendations include that counsellors should provide
adolescents with age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health
information, empowers them to make responsible decisions regarding
sexuality.