Evaluation of Premarital Health Care Knowledge among Adolescent Females in a Secondary School in Orlu, Imo State South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background:  The primary aim of premarital health care is to ensure that women are in their best possible physical and emotional state of health when they marry and conceive. Premarital care will lower both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as enhance mothers’ psychological well-being.

Objective:  To evaluate the level of premarital health care knowledge received by adolescent girls in a secondary school in Orlu.

Methodology:  It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Results were analyzed and presented using tables, bar charts and pie charts.

Results: It showed that out of 288 respondents, 202(70%) of the girls had good premarital health care knowledge, while 86(30%) had poor premarital care knowledge. It was also observed that premarital health information were sourced from non-health professionals like girl friends, mothers and sisters

Conclusion: Majority of the respondents have good premarital health care knowledge, and a low prevalence of sexual activity, unlike   those with poor premarital health care knowledge.

Keywords: premarital care, adolescents, evaluation