Assessment of Knowledge of Sex Education and its Importance among Students of Selected Secondary Schools in Ilesa, Osun State
Titilayo Yemi Adeniyi
Mayowa Jeremiah Adeniyi
Ayoola Awosika
Phoebe Nwamaka Kanikwu
Ameh Samuel Agaba
Abstract
Sex education is a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about gender aimed at building a strong foundation for sexual health and well-being. A cross sectional study was carried out to assess the level of knowledge and perceived importance of sex education among students of selected secondary schools in Ilesa, Osun State. A total of 171 students were selected from Ilesa Grammar School and St. Anthony secondary school in Ilesa through convenience sampling. The data collected from the students was analyzed and interpreted. The results showed that the mean age of the students was 15.7± 1.474 years. About 75.6% of students had knowledge about sex education while 68.3% understood the importance of sex education. There was a weak positive correlation between students’ knowledge of sex education and their perception of its importance (P < 0.05). There was an association between importance of sex education and some socio-demographic factor such as age, sex and ethnicity. The findings of the study indicated that the selected secondary school students in Ilesa exhibited good knowledge of sex education and its importance. Socio-demographic factors such as age, sex and ethnicity significantly influenced the students’ perception of sex education.
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