Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness to Teach Sexuality Education among Secondary School Teachers in Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Sexuality education (SE) is a lifelong process of acquiring information and developing attitudes, perceptions and values about sex, sexual identity and intimacy. Schools have been acknowledged as sites for sexual health promotion, and comprehensive SE programs are known to delay initiation of sex, reduce number of sexual partners and increase the use of contraceptives. This study investigated the knowledge, attitude and willingness to teach SE among secondary school teachers in Nnewi, Anambra State. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out among 150 randomly selected teachers in secondary schools in Nnewi, Nigeria. Results: They were 118 females and 32 males and their mean age was 38.2 years. About 52.7% had Bachelor’s degree in education, and 6% had Master’s degree. Knowledge of SE was poor as only 25% knew more than one component of the package with “sexual maturity” recording the highest knowledge at 33%. Majority 135 (90%) agreed that SE should be taught in schools, and a markedly higher proportion of female than male teachers (p<0.01), supported this view. Age group 30-39 years was significantly more knowledgeable than the rest about “contraception” (p<0.01) and “sexual maturity” (p<0.005). Whereas 136 (90.7%) were willing to teach SE, 123 (82%) said both sexes should be targets of such education. Major identified barriers to SE were “low awareness” 62 (41.3%), “lack of skill” 40 (26.7%), and “cultural barrier” 32 (21.3%). Conclusion: Knowledge of SE among the teachers was poor, even though many of them displayed the right attitude giving their willingness to teach it. Teachers need in-service training to improve their knowledge and modify adverse cultural beliefs towards SE. The school curriculum should be updated to introduce and accommodate all aspects of the subject.