Adolescent Secondary School Girls Research Articles

Compliance with weekly iron folic acid supplementation and associated factors among secondary school adolescent girls, in Jimma Arjo District, West Ethiopia, 2022: A mixed method cross-sectional Study

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent and major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries among adolescent girls. The risk of Iron deficiency anemia and its consequences are prevented by taking and complying with a weekly iron-folic acid supplement. However, there was no information regarding compliance and its associated factors in Ethiopia. The study aimed to determine the magnitude of compliance with weekly Iron-folic acid supplementation and associated factors among Jimma Arjo secondary school adolescent girls. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 adolescent girls in three secondary schools of Jimma Arjo, West Ethiopia from March 1st to 31st, 2022 using interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association of variables. Results: Compliance with iron-folic acid supplementation was 29.3% with 95% CI (24.9, 33.3). Mother`s secondary level of education (AOR=4.94 (95% CI:2.45,9.94)), awareness of anemia (AOR=4.23 (95% CI:2.35,7.61)), good knowledge about iron-folic acid supplementation (AOR=3.96 (95% CI:2.17,7.22)), lack of iron-folic acid supplementation (AOR=0.42 (95% CI:0.23,0.75)), and iron-folic acid supplementation side effects (AOR=0.17 (95% CI:0.08,0.37)) were factors significantly associated with iron-folic acid supplementation compliance. Misconceptions about iron-folic acid supplementation, forgetfulness of tablet, lack of access to drinking water, and irregularity of school weekly iron-folic acid supplementation days were identified as the main barriers to adolescent girls' compliance with iron-folic acid supplementation in a qualitative study. Conclusions: Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation compliance was low at 29.3%. Scheduled health education, parental participation in the program, access to drinking water, refresher training for school focal persons, and fixed weekly iron-folic acid supplementation days can improve compliance with iron-folic acid supplementation and are recommended.

Knowledge of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State

Knowledge of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in public senior secondary schools in Rivers State

Sexual and reproductive health information needs; an inquiry from the lens of in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

BackgroundIt is important to understand the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents from the adolescents themselves to address their needs properly. Hence, this paper provides new knowledge on the information needs on SRH among adolescent boys and girls in selected secondary schools in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria.MethodA comparative assessment was conducted among adolescent boys and girls in public secondary schools that received a specific school-based SRH intervention (group A) and those that did not receive the intervention (group B). These schools were spread across six urban and rural local government areas in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 514 adolescents aged 13 to 18 on their stated needs for SRH information and services. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and predictors were determined using logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.ResultMajority of the adolescents (82% of intervention group and 92% of non-intervention group) identified puberty and pubertal changes as perceived SRH information need for adolescents (χ2 = 7.94; p-value = 0.01). Adolescents who received SRH intervention have 3.13 (p < 0.001) times the odds of perceiving the need for adolescents to be provided with SRH information than adolescents who did not receive SRH intervention. The odds of perceiving the need for adolescents to be provided with SRH information for adolescents who reside in urban communities are 0.31 (p < 0.001) times the odds for adolescents who resides in rural communities. That is, the perception odds are higher adolescents who reside in rural communities. Multivariate regression of specific SRH information showed the location of residence as a strong predictor of adolescents’ perceived need for information on ‘puberty and pubertal changes’ (OR = 0.30; p = 0.001), ‘safe sex and sexual relations’ (OR = 0.33; p < 0.001) and ‘prevention of pregnancy and use of contraceptives’ (OR = 0.28; p < 0.001). Adolescents in senior secondary school have 2.21 (p = 0.002) times the odds of perceiving the need for adolescents to be provided with specific SRH information than adolescents who are in junior secondary school.ConclusionAdolescents’ age, location of residence, and study group were found to be strong predictors of SRH information needs. This suggests the need for in-school adolescents to be provided with substantial and continuous SRH information for healthy living and making informed SRH choices. In developing SRH interventions that will achieve optimal effectiveness in the lives of adolescents in school, different demographic factors should be considered for context-specific and appropriate strategies.

Menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent secondary school girls in rural Anambra communities.

Adolescent girls face numerous challenges which hinder their ability to manage menstruation in a healthy and dignified manner. To examine the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls schooling in rural Anambra communities. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique and interviewed using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0. Mean age of all, pre-menarche and post-menarche girls were 14.7 ± 1.84, 12.8 ± 1.09 and 15.1 ± 1.73 years, respectively. About 46% of the pre-menarche girls had not received any information on menstruation. Common sources of initial menstruation information were mother (87.3%), school (52.2%) and peers (20.0%). Among the 1091 (85.0% (1091/1283)) post-menarche girls, last menstrual period, last menstrual period duration and cycle length could not be recalled by 53.9%, 34.4% and 39.3%, respectively. Majority (98.3%) who could recall last menstrual period had a cycle length of ⩽30 days and the mean duration of menses was 4.4 ± 0.84 days. Disposable sanitary pad was mostly (60%) cited as recommended product, but cloth/rags (40.6%) or tissue paper (32. 3%) were predominantly used. Majority (88.6%) took their bath ⩾twice/day, 50.9% changed sanitary product ⩽twice/day while 72.5% exhibited poor hand washing. Sanitary products were mostly discarded by burning (45.4%). Fifty-one percent could not change in school predominantly due to lack of functional toilets/changing rooms (84.2%) while 72.5% of those who changed did so in bushes or unused spaces. Challenges faced during menstruation include restriction from holy places (38.9%), waist pain (74.9%), blood stains (36.1%) and lack of money to buy pad (27.0%). Factors significantly associated with using commercial pads were age (p = 0.047), class (p = 0.006), mother's educational status (p < 0.001), social class (p < 0.001), ability to recall last menstrual period date (p = 0.029) or duration (p = 0.001). Menstrual hygiene management was unsatisfactory among studied adolescents. Continuous education of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management and advocacy for adequate menstrual hygiene management support are imperative.

The Impact of a Healthy Lifestyle on Psychological Well-Being Among Saudi Adolescent Girls Attending Secondary Schools in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective A healthy lifestyle encompasses healthy eating, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, drug abuse, and alcohol, which will helpimprove mental health and manage the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being among Saudi adolescent girls. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in secondary schools in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The main outcome measures were the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and PHQ-9 (if PHQ-2-positive), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Perceived Stress Scale(PSS) scores. Results The age of the respondents ranged between 15 and 19 years with an arithmetic mean of 16.72 and a standard deviation (SD) of 0.96 years. Most of the students (58.3%) followed a healthy lifestyle whereas only 6.7% followed an unhealthy one. The prevalence of depression was 52.5%; moderately severe depression was observed in14.8% and severe depression was seen in6.9% of the schoolgirls. Moderate or severe anxiety was observed in 24.3% and 17.8% of schoolgirls, respectively. High perceived stress was observed in 18% of the students. There was a statistically significant associationbetween students' lifestyleand the severity of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress (p<0.001). Conclusion While unhealthy lifestyles are not common among secondary schoolgirls in Taif City, we found a significant association between such lifestyles among students and the deterioration of their psychological well-being.

Head lice infestation and the role of some cognitive-behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study in Northwest Iran.

Head lice is a public health problem of worldwide distribution, particularly among school children and girls. Head lice infestation (HLI) can lead to negative social and psychological outcomes such as distress and anxiety in children and their families. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the role of cognitive-behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 school-aged adolescent girls from September 2022 to January 2023 in Herris, a city located in Northwest Iran. A multistage cluster random sample was used to recruit adolescent girls in secondary schools. Two schools were randomly selected from five secondary schools. Then, students in each school were randomly selected from a school list. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The high protective behaviors were significantly associated with the number of family members (ß = 0.158; p value = 0.012). An additional 21.8% of the variation in preventive behaviors was explained by cognitive factors as predictor variables (p value > 0.05). Perceived collective family efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, and response efficacy were predictors of head lice preventive behaviors, respectively. Among all variables, perceived collective family efficacy was the strongest predictor. The findings of current research support the determinants of the cognitive-behavioral factors in the spread and prevention of HLI. It is better to involve these factors in school-based educational programs by policymakers and healthcare providers.

Impact of Health Education Intervention on Nutritional Status Among Adolescent Girls in Government Secondary Schools Maiduguri: A Randomised Control Trial

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a health education intervention on nutritional status among adolescent girls in government secondary schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Methods: The study was a randomized control trial among 417 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years old. Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020 using KoBo collect toolbox. Chi-square and Fisher exact were used to compare baseline differences between the intervention and control group, a generalized estimating equation was used to evaluate the impact of health education intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in nutritional status (body mass index for age percentile and mid-upper arm circumference) between the intervention and control group at baseline. There was a statistically significant difference at three and six-months post-intervention for body mass index for age percentile p = 0.005; p &lt; 0.001, while the mid-upper arm circumference was statistically significant at three months post-intervention p &lt; 0.001, but not statistically significant at six months post-intervention. Conclusion: It is clear that health education intervention has an important role in improving the nutritional status of adolescents.

Principals’ strategies for the effective management and implementation of HIV intervention programmes for adolescent girls in secondary schools

The goal of this study was to understand the approaches that principals use for HIV prevention in schools and, on that basis, to offer strategies that can be effectively implemented to improve HIV intervention programmes for adolescent girls in South African secondary schools. The research was conducted in four districts in the Gauteng province: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and Sedibeng. A non-experimental qualitative, explorative, phenomenological design was used to better understand the problem. Individual interviews were conducted with participants who were purposively chosen from secondary schools in these areas. According to the findings, strengthening the delivery systems for HIV intervention programmes for adolescent girls may be the key to combating the escalation of new HIV infections among these girls. This qualitative study produced participant-reported empirical data, giving researchers a new perspective on the education leadership matters that contribute to addressing the ineffective management and execution of HIV programmes for adolescent girls.

Assessment of Adolescent Girls' Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practice in Ede South Local Government Secondary Schools, Ede, Osun State

The onset of menstruation denotes a landmark event in the pubertal development of the adolescent girl. Adolescent girls should have adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene before menarche. Lack of adequate knowledge and good menstrual hygiene practices can have far-reaching consequences for a girl's well-being, dignity, reproductive health, and sexual health. Hygiene-related practices during menstruation are of considerable importance. This study assessed the knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Ede South local government secondary schools, Ede, Osun State. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population was adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 who have attained menarche, using multi-stage sampling as the sampling technique. A structured questionnaire comprising three sections was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The result showed that the majority (62.6%) of the respondents were between 16 and 18 years old and had attained menarche at 13. Most respondents had heard about menstruation before menarche (85.0%), and mothers (79.1%) were the primary source of information. Most (89.70%) respondents had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Also, most (53.0%) respondents had good menstrual hygiene practices. In the test for the hypothesis, there is a significant association between sociodemographic characteristics such as tribe, class, age at menarche, and the Practice of menstrual hygiene. There is also a significant relationship between knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene (p = 0.017). This study concluded that the majority of the respondents had good knowledge as well as good practice regarding menstrual hygiene. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Adolescents, Knowledge, Practice

Determination of Levels of Anxiety and its Association with Demographic Characteristics of Adolescent Girls in Secondary Schools of Lahore

Adolescence is a transition period between the time of childhood and adulthood as it is usually accompanied by sexual maturation and physical growth as well as psychological and cognitive changes necessary for coping with the tasks of later adult life. Objective: To identify levels of anxiety and its association with demographic characteristics of adolescent girls in secondary schools of Lahore Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical design was used in this study. The normality assumptions were tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnova and Shapiro-Wilk test. Results: Out of 140 participants, 116 participants were having anxiety. Among these participants, 73 (62.9%) were having mild anxiety, 38 (32.7%) were having moderate anxiety, and only 5 (4.31%) were having severe anxiety. Statistical analysis show that the data were not normally distributed as evident from the p-value 0.01 and 0.03 in Kolmogorov-Smirnova and Shapiro-Wilk tests, respectively. Analysis showed that there is a significant difference in anxiety levels in adolescent school girls as evident by p-value is less than 0.05. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety was 82.85% among adolescents’ girls. Majority of the adolescent students were facing mild and mild anxiety and this anxiety remain throughout the adolescent age but reduce with passage of age.

Effectiveness of peer-led education interventions on contraceptive use, unmet need, and demand among adolescent girls in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia. A cluster randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Peer-led education interventions are assumed to be an effective means of increasing contraceptive utilization and demand in adolescents. However evidence is lacking on whether peer-led education is effective in promoting the demand for and use of contraceptives in adolescent girls, especially in resource-limited settings. Objective The present study evaluated the effectiveness of peer-led education interventions in improving contraceptive use, unmet needs, and demand among sexually active secondary school adolescent girls in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia. Methods A single-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial study was performed in six randomly selected secondary schools in the Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 224 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received peer-led education intervention for six months. A pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to measure contraceptive use, unmet need, and contraceptive demand. A generalised estimating equation (GEE) model was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention. Result After six months of intervention, the Differences-in-difference in contraceptive use, unmet need, and contraceptive demand between the intervention and control groups were 25.1%, 7.4%, and 17.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in contraceptive use [AOR = 8.7, 95% CI: (3.66, 20.83), unmet need for contraceptives [AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: (1.61, 24.36)] and contraceptive demand [AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: (2.43, 15.11)] between the intervention and control groups. Conclusions School-based peer education intervention effectively improved contraceptive use and unmet needs in a low-resource setting and created demand in sexually active adolescent girls. These results support the potential utility of this approach in similar settings for the promotion of contraception use and demand.

Menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescent girls should practice good menstrual hygiene to enhance their health and educational attainment. However, socio-cultural restrictions and limited water, sanitation, and hygiene in school environments continued to make it difficult for in school adolescent females to practice good menstrual hygiene management. So, the main aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in the secondary schools of Gimbi town, western Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 adolescent girls in Gimbi town secondary schools. The study participants were selected by using stratified random sampling techniques. Pretested self-administered Afan Oromo questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, information and knowledge about menstruation, and practice of menstrual hygiene management, as well as observational checklist to assess school environment were used to collect the data. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 7.2.0.4 and exported to SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the practice of menstrual hygiene management and P-values less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsOut of 378 respondents, 163 (43.1%) (38–48) of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene management practice. Being urban resident (AOR = 3.48, (95% C.I:1.99–6.08), having mother with secondary level of education (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.15,6.42), having mother with educational level of college and above (AOR = 3.30, 95%CI1.28,8.50), having discussion about menstruation with parents (AOR = 2.42,95%CI:1.45,4.04), and having knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.69–5.13) were factors associated with good menstrual hygiene management practice.ConclusionIn this study, good menstrual hygiene management practice is low among in school adolescent girls. Place of residence, maternal educational level, discussion about menstrual issue with parent, and having knowledge about menstruation were factors associated with good menstrual management practice. Stakeholders should give appropriate awareness and health education related to menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls at all levels.

Determinants of menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls in Osun State, Nigeria: a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; INTRODUCTION: Adolescence in girls has been recognized as a special period that signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood. This study was conducted to assess the determinants of menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls in private and public secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria.&#x0D; METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study (comparative) involving 650 in-school secondary students (public and private), were selected via multistage stratified sampling technique, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Relevant data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Appropriate univariate analysis using frequency tables and charts, while bivariate analysis was done using a chi-square table. Multivariate analysis was done using logistics regression.&#x0D; RESULTS: The modal age range was middle adolescence (14-16 years old). There was a statistically significant difference between public and private school respondents in terms of age menarche: More students in private schools (81.8%) had their menarche before the age of 13 compared to those in public schools (73.2%). More respondents in private secondary schools (67.1%) have good menstrual hygiene practices compared to their counterparts (55.4%). Almost all the respondents in public secondary schools and private secondary schools have good management on menstruation Multivariate analysis, more of the respondents in junior classes among public school respondents were approximately two times less likely (1/0.506 = 1.97) to have good hygiene practice compared to their counterparts.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Based on the findings in this study, it could be concluded that more of the respondents in private secondary schools had good hygiene practices compared to their counterparts. Hence, the need for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to provide accurate and adequate information as well as enable the environment to promote menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Menstrual hygiene management practices and menstrual distress among adolescent secondary school girls: a questionnaire-based study in Nigeria.

Menstruation is a common and normal experience during the reproductive age of adolescent females and if not well managed might expose the female to menstrual distress. To determine the menstrual hygiene management practices and menstrual distress among adolescent secondary school girls. Six hundred participants randomly drawn participated in the study. A structured questionnaire which had two inventories was used to collect data. The first inventory was a self-developed Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices Questionnaire (MHMPQ) (r = 0.71) and the second one was a modified 11-item Menstrual Distress Scale (MDS) (r = 0.74). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that menstrual hygiene management practices of the girls were poor and they were very highly distressed. Statistically significant differences were observed in menstrual hygiene management practices among the girls with regard to age, location of residence and occupation of mother and on menstrual distress in relation to occupation of father (p < 0.05). Significant positive relationship between menstrual hygiene management practices and menstrual distress was observed. The findings accentuate the need for a caring atmosphere for menstrual sanitation both at home and in school.

Knowledge and menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent secondary school girls in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Menstrual hygiene is an aspect of sexuality education that people do not want to discuss publicly. Because of this most adolescent girl are bereaved of knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices. Therefore, the present study attempted to ascertain the knowledge and menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent secondary school girls in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.Methods: This was an institutional based cross-sectional study conducted from 11th July to 9th September 2021 among adolescent secondary school girls in Ikwo local government area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 400 participant using administered questionnaire. However, out of 400 participants, 315 properly filled and fit for analysis.Result: From a total of 315 adolescent girls participated in this study, majority 251 (79.7%) of the girls possess good knowledge while 64 (20.3%) has poor knowledge of menstrual hygiene practices. The result further indicated a significant association between the age groups (Chi square=10.862; p=0.004 &lt;0.05); class level (Chi square=23.601; p=0.000&lt;0.05) and the knowledge of menstrual hygiene practices among the adolescents’ girls respectively.Conclusions: There is need for government at all level, health educators and parents to design acceptable awareness creation and advocacy programs to improve the knowledge especially among adolescent girls at their early adolescents and those at lower class and so as to promote safe hygienic practices during menstruation.

A school-based study of sexual health knowledge among sexually active adolescent girls in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: There is high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy among young people. In many developing countries including Nigeria, there is paucity of literature on sexual health knowledge among sexually active adolescent girls, as key vulnerable population. This study aimed at assessing level of sexual health knowledge among adolescent secondary school girls in Calabar, Nigeria.Methods: Cross-sectional study design was used, with recruitment of randomly selected sexually active adolescent girls in three public secondary schools in Calabar. Sexual health knowledge was assessed using structured, pre-tested questionnaire, knowledge scores were converted to percentage, and 50% or greater was considered satisfactory. Factors associated with level of knowledge was assessed using Chi-square test, with p value set at 0.05.Results: One hundred and eight (180) respondents were studied, with mean age of 17.4±1.2 years (14-19 years). Mean age at sexual debut was 15.0±2.1 years, ranging from 11 to 19 years. Mean knowledge score (out of maximum of 62) was 25.4±4.2 (9-49), corresponding to 41.0±7.8% (14.5 to 79.0%). Sixty respondents (33.3%) had satisfactory level of knowledge on sexual health. Higher level of paternal and maternal education, married parental status, were associated with satisfactory level of knowledge.Conclusions: There is suboptimal level of sexual health knowledge among sexually active school girls in Calabar. There is urgent need to provide sexual health educational interventions. The school-based family life HIV education (FLHE) program, should be revived, to mitigate sourcing of false sexual health information from peers.

Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in secondary schools of Herat, Afghanistan

Background: The experience of menarche is often confusing and causes ambivalence among adolescent girls due to their lack of information on the menstruation cycle and menstrual vaginal bleeding. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of menstruation and menstruation hygiene in Afghanistan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire administered from 10 March 2021 to 15 April 2021 among secondary school girls in Herat, Afghanistan. It evaluated their knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices. 768 girls responded to the survey. Data was encoded and statistically analysed using SPSS. Results: 53.3% of girls surveyed had a good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. 15.9% of girls surveyed who did not experience menarche showed a good knowledge score. In terms of practice, 32.9% took a rest and missed school during menstrual bleeding. 2.1% of the participants mentioned that teachers were the first source of information on menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Conclusion: Knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene among girls surveyed was lower than in other countries. Awareness campaigns regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene are recommended. It is suggested to add a subject on these for secondary school girls to learn more and encourage them to openly discuss among themselves.

Comparative study of sexual health knowledge and practices among sexually active adolescent girls in co-educational and girls-only secondary school in Calabar, Nigeria.

there is little or no progress towards the attainment of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in many developing country settings. Key SRH gap in these settings includes suboptimal knowledge-based safe sexual practices, especially among adolescent girls as a vulnerable subpopulation. Unique features of school environmental settings including gender segregation have not been harnessed for cost-effective sexual health education, perhaps due to the current paucity of literature. This study was aimed at comparing sexual health knowledge and practices, between sexually active adolescent girls in co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. cross-sectional comparative study design was used. Sexually active adolescent girls were randomly recruited from co-educational and girl-only secondary schools in Calabar, Nigeria. Validated questionnaire developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was used to assess sexual health knowledge and behavioral practice. Factors associated with a satisfactory level of knowledge were assessed using the Chi-square test. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0, with the p-value set at 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained before data collection. one hundred and twenty respondents were studied, comprising an equal proportion of sixty (60) in co-educational and girl-only schools. Mean age and age at sexual debut were 16.4 ± 1.8 and 14.3 ± 2.2 years, respectively. Compared with group 1 (co-education), respondents in group 2 (girl-only) had significantly higher mean knowledge scores (26.1 vs. 30.4, p<0.05). Fifty respondents (41.7%) had a satisfactory level of knowledge of sexual health. There was no significant difference in mean practice scores comparing groups 1 and 2 (20.4 vs. 21.5, p>0.05). Internet use, unmarried parental status, and not living with both parents, were associated with unsatisfactory levels of knowledge on sexual health. compared with co-educational schools, girl-only schools have better sexual health knowledge, but a similar level of behavioral practices. There is a need for improvement in sexual health education efforts among adolescent girls, perhaps with more focus on coed schools, within the context of potential inherent disadvantage in the school environmental setting.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescent Secondary School Girls in Bayelsa State

Introduction- Pinpointing sexual and reproductive health needs from the students` perspective is a key step towards prevention of avoidable global adolescents` death and promotion of health. The purpose of this article was to explore the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescent secondary school students in Bayelsa State. Method- A descriptive qualitative design was adopted for this study using the purposive sampling technique with a sample of 10 participants in one public secondary school. The Source of data was a semi-structured interview guide and a voice recorder. Data was analyzed thematically in six sequential steps. Findings- Two (2) themes, sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents, methods of sexual health dissemination and five (5) sub-themes emerged. Conclusion- Findings indicate that the public-secondary school adolescent girls require education on; menstrual cycle, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, as well as on appropriate use of different types of contraceptives from established centres for sexual and reproductive health services. To ensure the public secondary school girls have access to the services and utilize the services, this study recommends the dare need to adopt different methods to disseminate sexual and reproductive health information to reach the secondary school girls to prevent avertable illnesses and deaths.

Female adolescents and the future of female genital mutilation/cutting: a report from an endemic area.

Despite collaborative efforts aimed at its eradication, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) continues in endemic areas. To evaluate the experience and preparedness of female adolescents to protect their future daughters from FGM/C. A cross-sectional survey involving adolescent secondary school girls in North Central Nigeria. Participants were secondary school students who completed the study's self-administered questionnaire after informed parental or participant's consent. Data management was with SPSS 20.0 (IBM, USA), P-value <0.05 was significant. There were 2000 participants aged 13-19 years (mean 15.56±1.75), prevalence of FGM/C was 35.0%, awareness was 86.1%, mutilation was performed between infancy and eight years of age (mean 3.85±3.24 years), 644(32.2%) desire to mutilatetheir future daughters, 722(36.1%) expressed support for FGM/C and 63.1% of victims of FM/C reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. Support for FGM/C was associated with low social class (P0.0010), opinion that FGM/C has benefit (P0.001) and desire to mutilate future daughters (P0.001) while awareness of efforts to eradicate FMG/C was 813(40.7%). FGM/C remains prevalent with potential support for its continuation among female adolescents despite reported adverse post-mutilation experiences. The multi-pronged approach to eradicate FGM/C should prioritize re-orientation for adolescent girls, rehabilitation of mutilated girls and girl child formal education.