Survey of Knowledge and Source of Information Relating to Reproduction and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Senior Secondary Schools Students in a Military Barracks in Nigeria

Context: Adolescents seek health information from diverse sources. When such information is appropriately sought, correct and complete, it ensures an understanding of their reproductive health needs and encourages healthy sexual decision making and behaviors.
Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and source of information about reproduction and sexually transmitted infections among senior secondary schools students in Ojo military barracks, Lagos.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 400 senior secondary schools students in Ojo military barracks, Lagos, selected using multistage sampling technique was done. Data collection employed pretested, self- administered structured questionnaires. Data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 17. Tests of statistical significance were carried out using chi square and t tests. A p value of <.05 was considered significant.
Results: Majority of them 391(97.8%), were in the age group (10-19 years) while the mean age was 152.4 for males and 152.2 for females respectively. Information on sexual and reproductive health was sought from the electronic media by 238(59.5%), 115 (52.0%) males and 123 (68.7%) females; peer group 231(57.8%), 120 (54.3%) males and 111 (62.0%) females as well as print media and other sources with a statistically significant difference in this practice between the males and females (P=.01). Only 38 (9.5%) had very good knowledge. The sexually experienced were less knowledgeable than the non-experienced (3.71.3 and 3.91.3 respectively; P<.05). Knowledge was found to increase with age (P<.05). Females had more knowledge than males (P<.05).
Conclusions: Overall knowledge was assessed as fairly good, while key sources of information were the electronic media and peer groups. Interventions including peer education are recommended to ensure that these sources provide veritable information on reproductive health.