Perceptions of Sexual Behavior and Knowledge About Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

186and ineffective use of barrier contraceptives 8 and the decreased value placed on virginity. 9 To date, however, few studies have investigated young people's perceptions of the problem.To design appropriate interventions, it is important to know about adolescents' knowledge of and experience with STDs and about their health-seeking behavior related to STDs. For example, we need information about adolescents' knowledge of and attitudes toward using condoms for STD prevention, their use of various types of health providers for the treatment of STDs and their attitudes toward partner notification. It is widely recognized that Nigerian adolescents do not use existing reproductive health services. 10 This poor utilization of public services is probably largely attributable to the fact that such services do not specifically address the needs and concerns of adolescents.Eliciting adolescents' views on reproductive health in communities where sexuality is not openly discussed can be problematic. A quantitative research design yields limited information on this complex Miriam J. Temin is a population and reproductive health officer/Michigan international development associate

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

“…13 In a FGD among secondary school students in Edo state, participants acknowledged that sexual activity was common among their peers, starting at an early age and often involving multiple sexual partners. 17 …”

Integrating mHealth into adolescent sexual and reproductive health promotion in Nigeria: prospects and barriers

“…6,33 It also highlighted the need for access to accurate and reliable information on SRH issues and services and behavioural change communication among Nigerian adolescents. 30,44 This need creates a huge potential for mHealth use in ASRH in Nigeria. This is considered very favourable.…”

“…6,34 Poor access to accurate SRH information by adolescents from their parents, teachers and healthcare workers due to cultural norms cause adolescents to turn to their peers for information which is often inaccurate, resulting in poor sexual choices. 30 Knowledge of SRH issues among adolescents is however influenced by factors surrounding access, source and quality of the information. 34 …”

“…38 Peers are therefore the commonest source of SRH information for Nigerian adolescents, this information is often inaccurate. 30,34,39 Peers also influence adolescents" first sexual experience and may include pressure to engage in unprotected sex to prove camaraderie and acceptance by peers.…”

“…Many of these adolescents seek care from informal health providers resulting in poorly treated STIs which increase chances of HIV infection. 6,30 Nigeria has a HIV sero-prevalence of 3.1% and young people account for over 30% of cases and 60% of new infections. 31,32 Gender inequalities and inequities reflected in low social status and earning capacity of young females propel the disproportionate distribution of HIV among females and they are thrice more likely to be infected than males.…”