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Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education: perspectives from secondary school teachers in Northern Nigeria

Emenike, Nkechi; Onukwugha, Franklin I.; Sarki, Ahmed; Smith, Lesley

Authors

Nkechi Emenike

Franklin I. Onukwugha

Ahmed Sarki



Abstract

Lack of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education contributes to poor SRH outcomes for adolescents and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. School-based comprehensive SRH education programmes in low- and middle-income countries aim to advance gender equality and human rights and reduce risky sexual behaviours in adolescents. However, the implementation of these programmes in Northern Nigeria is opposed by community and religious institutions because of mistrust of health interventions perceived as being framed on Western ideologies. This study explored perceptions of such programmes among secondary school staff in Northern Nigeria. We focused on knowledge and beliefs about comprehensive SRH education programmes, and views about barriers to delivery and ways to support their inclusion in schools. Sixteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with teachers and head teachers. Participants were aged 33–54years and came from four public secondary schools in two states (Kano and Jigawa). Findings showed conflicting gender-based perspectives on the importance of comprehensive SRH education in schools. Barriers to delivery included lack of adequate skills and knowledge, beliefs/cultural norms and wider societal barriers. Involving traditional and religious leaders and schools in the design of tailored approaches could strengthen future delivery.

Citation

Emenike, N., Onukwugha, F. I., Sarki, A., & Smith, L. (in press). Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education: perspectives from secondary school teachers in Northern Nigeria. Sex Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2022.2028613

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 10, 2022
Online Publication Date Jan 26, 2022
Deposit Date Mar 28, 2022
Publicly Available Date Jul 27, 2023
Journal Sex Education
Print ISSN 1468-1811
Electronic ISSN 1472-0825
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2022.2028613
Keywords Adolescent health; Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health; Sexuality education; Barriers; Beliefs; Nigeria
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3916924

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©2022 The authors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder





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