Parental Guidance, Peer Association As Correlate Of Preventive Measures Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Secondary School Students In Ekwusigo Local Government Area In Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study adopted correlational survey design to established the relationship between parental   guidance.   peer association   and    preventive measures against   sexually transmitted diseases   among secondary   school students in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses.  A sample of 266 SS2    students    in six    public secondary    schools in the study area were selected using simple random sampling technique. One instrument titled “Source   of preventive measures against   sexually transmitted diseases (SPMSTQ) was developed   by the researchers   with the help of experts and    used for data collection. The reliability of the questionnaire, established using Cronbach Alpha which ranges from 81 to .86. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment correlation Coefficient at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that parental guidance and peer association individually    significantly   relate to the   preventive measure   against   sexually transmitted diseases   among secondary   school students in Ekwusigo Iocal government area of    Anambra State, Nigeria.  it was concluded   that   preventive measures against   sexually transmitted diseases   among secondary   school students    depend on effective parental guidance   and positive   peer association.   Based on the findings and conclusion of this study, it was recommended amongst others that Schools and communities should encourage parents to engage in open discussions about sexual health with their children. This would help   to minimize the rate of sexually transmitted diseases   among secondary   school students