Parental attitude towards sex education : a study of demographic and socio-cultural determinants in rural Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : In contemporary rural Nigeria, the level of engagement of teenagers (secondary school students) in risky sexual behaviours is growing, and it has been linked to the rising rate of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). While there are many studies on factors influencing the attitude of parents/guardians on the inclusion of sex education in secondary school curriculum, a research gap exists concerning the specific strengths of socio-cultural factors influencing parental attitude towards the teaching of sex education in secondary schools in rural Nigeria. Therefore, this study seeks to address this gap by investigating socio-cultural factors influencing parents/guardians’ attitude towards the adoption of sex education in secondary schools in rural Nigeria. METHODS : A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select (n = 4620). The data were collected in the year 2023 using a questionnaire schedule. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis (frequency distribution tables and percentage) was done to describe and summarize the data. Also, inferential analysis (regressions) was done to test the formulated hypotheses. RESULTS : The results revealed that ethnicity (3.21 [2.54–6.57]; p = 0.001), educational level (7.78 [7.29–13.11]; p = 0.014), occupation (− 2.41 [(− 1.32)–(− 5.19)]; p = 0.001), religiosity (5.34 [4.13–6.16]; p = 0.001) and cultural belief (5.94 [5.18–8.47]; p = 0.001) have significant effect on the parents/guardians attitudes towards the adoption of sex education in secondary schools in rural Nigeria. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS : The factors influencing parental attitude towards the inclusion of sex education in secondary school curriculum include religiosity, cultural belief, level of education, ethnicity and occupation. Therefore, awareness programs about the importance of sex education for teens should be intensified at all levels. POLICY IMPLICATIONS : The findings of this study inform policy especially enlightenment programs for parents/guardians on the need and importance of sex education in reducing risky sexual behaviours among secondary school students in rural Nigeria. Most parents/guardians have negative attitudes towards it because of a lack of awareness.