The Role of Sexual Reproductive Health Education in Adolescents: Sexual Behaviours in Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

HIV/AIDS, STD, unwanted pregnancies and abortion are indicators for the existence of adolescents’ sexual behaviours. Young people accounted for 40 per cent of new HIV infections in 2006 and about 6 millions of girls aged 15 to 19 years gave birth each year worldwide. The sexual and reproductive health education in secondary schools was a key strategy for promoting safe sexual behaviours among teenagers. This study examined the role of sexual and reproductive health education on adolescents' sexual behaviours. A cross sectional design was employed by using open and closed ended questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussions (FGD). Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Some adolescents, (28.8 %) in secondary schools in Morogoro Municipal were sexually active; they were involved in risky sexual behaviour such as having multiple partners, practising sex at early age as early as from 10-15 years,Lack use of condoms, engaging with sexual partners who were much older. Also adolescent students’ awareness of sexual and reproductive health matters was average. Moreover it was revealed that, students’ awareness on sexual and reproductive health had positive influence on students’ risky sexual behaviours i.e. students with high level of awareness were less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour.

Key words: Sexual behaviour, reproductive health, awareness and adolescents