Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) in Schools in Enugu State: Baseline Study of Reproductive Health Issues among In-School Adolescents in Enugu State

Abstract

We studied the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and practices among junior secondary school grades 1 and 3 students Enugu State, preparatory to incorporating family life and HIV/AIDS
education (FLHE) into the school curricula in the state. Results show that over 90% of the respondents were regularly involved in sexual activities. More than seventeen per cent (17.5%) indicated that they would definitely have sex in the next two years while 19.2% may have sex in the next two years. The students lacked proper knowledge of protection and knowledge scores on SRH issues was low especially among the urban dwellers (p<0.001). Some respondents (64.4%) did not know if condoms prevent pregnancy. Some indicated that charms and herbs are effective ways of preventing pregnancy. Against this background, the opinion leaders and community members welcome the FLHE for improving youth knowledge on SRH issues and pledge their support for the programme (Afr J Reprod
Health 2009; 13[2]:17-32).