Parents Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Provision of Sex Education Among Teenagers

Sex education is the instruction on issues relating to human sexuality, including emotional relations and responsibilities, human sexual anatomy, sexual activity, sexual reproduction, age of consent, reproductive health, safe sex, birth control, and sexual abstinence (American Psychological Association, 2022). Adolescent growth is greatly aided by sex education, which gives them the information and abilities they need to make wise choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. The need of comprehensive sex education in lowering adolescent pregnancies, risky sexual behaviors, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been highlighted on a global scale (WHO, 2021). Despite its significance, the efficiency of sex education is greatly impacted by the attitudes and knowledge of parents, particularly in traditional and developing societies such as Nigeria. In Nigeria, cultural and religious norms often dictate discussions about sex, making it a sensitive and sometimes taboo subject (Adekunle et al., 2021). Many parents are reluctant to engage in conversations about sex education due to fear of encouraging promiscuity among adolescents. However, studies have shown that when parents actively participate in providing accurate and age-appropriate sex education, teenagers are more likely to adopt responsible sexual behaviors (Okon et al., 2022). The Itiam community in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is not exempt from these challenges. Like many other Nigerian communities, parents in Itiam often rely on schools to provide sex education, which may not be comprehensive enough to address the unique cultural and social issues faced by adolescents. A study by Johnson and Effiong (2023) revealed that while 78% of parents in Akwa Ibom State support the idea of sex education, only 32% felt confident discussing sexual topics with their teenagers. Globally, the discourse around sex education has shifted towards a more inclusive approach, emphasizing the role of parents as primary educators. For instance, research conducted in the United States highlights that parents with higher levels of education and exposure to formal sex education are more likely to discuss topics such as consent, contraception, and healthy relationships with their children (Smith et al., 2022). In contrast, communities with limited access to educational resources often exhibit gaps in parental knowledge and confidence. The effectiveness of sex education is also influenced by parents’ attitudes. In Ghana, a study by Adusei et al. (2021) found that parents who held positive attitudes towards comprehensive sex education were more likely to encourage open discussions with their children, leading to better outcomes in adolescent sexual health. Conversely, parents with conservative or religious views tended to limit such discussions, often resulting in misinformation and risky behaviors among adolescents. In the context of Nigeria, the implementation of sex education policies remains inconsistent. While the National Sexuality Education Curriculum was introduced in 2003, its adoption has been hindered by resistance from religious and community leaders. This has placed greater responsibility on parents to fill the knowledge gap, a role many are unprepared to fulfill due to cultural inhibitions and lack of training (Oluwafemi et al., 2023). Recent studies have also emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to sex education. According to Bello et al. (2022), mothers are more likely than fathers to discuss sexual health with their children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to engage both parents. Additionally, adolescents who receive consistent information from both parents and schools are more likely to make informed decisions about their sexual health (Nnamdi & Usoro, 2020). Despite these findings, there remains a paucity of research focusing on specific communities like Itiam in Uyo, where unique cultural dynamics and socioeconomic factors may influence parental attitudes and knowledge. Understanding these local factors is essential for developing tailored interventions that address the barriers to effective sex education in the community. In conclusion, while global and regional studies underscore the critical role of parents in adolescent sex education, there is a pressing need to explore these dynamics within the Itiam community. By identifying the knowledge gaps and attitudes of parents, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance the provision of sex education among teenagers in the community.

To investigate parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards the provision of sex education among teenagers in the Itiam community of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

1. 1What is the level of parents’ knowledge on sex education among teenagers in Itiam Community, Uyo Local Government Area (LGA)?
2. 2What are the attitudes of parents towards sex education among teenagers in Itiam Community, Uyo LGA?
3. 3What is the parents’ level of knowledge on benefits of sex education among teenagers in Itiam Community, Uyo LGA?
4. 4What are the factors influencing provision of sex education among parents to teenagers in Itiam Community, Uyo LGA?

1. H1There is no significant relationship between age and parents’ level of knowledge on sex education.
2. H2There is no significant relationship between educational status and parents’ attitude towards sex education.