Sex Education and the Challenge of Abortion in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State
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Sex Education and the Challenge of Abortion in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State
Abstract
This quantitative survey study looked into the relationship between sex education and the rate of abortion among adolescents in Akamkpa LGA, Nigeria. A systematic questionnaire was created to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents drawn from various demographic backgrounds. The acquired data was analysed with SPSS27, and the hypotheses were tested using a t-test.
The study found substantial links between socio-cultural factors, the effectiveness of sex education, and the prevalence of abortion among adolescents. Socio-cultural factors, in particular, were found to have a considerable impact on the effectiveness of sex education programs, as well as the rate of abortion among adolescents.
Furthermore, focused measures for increasing sex education were found to have a significant favourable effect on lowering abortion rates in the study region. In conclusion, the study emphasised the need of comprehensive sex education in reducing the prevalence of abortion among adolescents.
The findings emphasised the need of overcoming socio-cultural barriers and implementing focused measures to improve sex education programs in Akamkpa LGA and other comparable settings.
Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritise including comprehensive sex education into school curricula and community-based activities to enhance adolescents’ sexual health and well-being. Furthermore, efforts should be made to involve parents, community leaders, and religious institutions in promoting open talks about sex education and reproductive health.
Overall, the study added to the expanding corpus of research on sex education and adolescent reproductive health in Nigeria. The findings, which provided empirical evidence of the effectiveness of sex education programs in lowering abortion rates, have implications for public health policies and interventions aimed at treating adolescent reproductive health issues.
Moving forward, more study was needed to investigate novel approaches to sex education delivery, analyse the long-term impact of interventions, and determine the role of parental participation in supporting healthy sexual health outcomes among teenagers.
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Sex education is an important part of adolescent development, although its implementation varies greatly among locations. The combination of sex education and abortion poses a unique set of issues in Cross River State, Nigeria’s Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA).
Understanding these problems necessitates a thorough analysis of the sociocultural, economic, and educational factors that influence both the provision of sex education and the prevalence of abortion.
This study intends to investigate these patterns and provide insight into how excellent sex education can potentially reduce the prevalence of abortion among adolescents in this area.
Background for the Study
Sex education covers a wide range of issues, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behaviour, sexual health, and society/culture. Sex education in many regions of Nigeria, including the Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA), is frequently inadequate due to cultural taboos
a lack of skilled educators, and insufficient resources. This inadequacy contributes to a lack of information about contraception and safe sexual practices, which leads to unwanted births and, as a result, an increase in abortion rates (Makhaza & Ige, 2022).
Traditional ideas and traditions have a significant impact on the Akamkpa LGA community’s attitudes towards sex education. Many consider it a taboo subject, hampering efforts to implement comprehensive sex education in schools and communities.
This cultural resistance exacerbates problems like teen pregnancy and unsafe abortions. A lack of proper sex education keeps young people unaware of safe sexual practices and the necessity of utilising contraception successfully (Adeniji et al., 2023).
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that there are few educated educators capable of providing comprehensive sex education. Most teachers lack the essential skills to comfortably and accurately explain sexuality-related issues. This scarcity of trained educators causes children to have a limited awareness of crucial sexual health issues. As a result, young people in Akamkpa frequently rely on misinformation or peer pressure, which might perpetuate risky sexual activity (Kaleyu et al., 2020).
Furthermore, poor resources given to sex education reduce its effectiveness. Schools in Akamkpa LGA frequently lack the tools and resources required to give comprehensive sex education. Because of the scarcity of resources, even willing educators may lack access to the tools needed to teach students about safe sexual practices, contraception, and healthy relationships (Abiodun et al., 2023). As a result, young people are uninformed of the entire range of reproductive health options available to them, making them more vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies.
Unwanted pregnancies among teenagers in Akamkpa are especially concerning. Without comprehensive sex education, teenagers are less likely to use contraception efficiently, if at all. This lack of contraception leads to higher rates of adolescent pregnancy, which can have serious social and economic consequences for young moms and families.
Furthermore, teenage pregnancies frequently result in unsafe abortions, as young women may attempt to terminate their pregnancies using unregulated and risky methods (Durowade et al., 2021).
Abortions that are not safe endanger the health of Akamkpa’s young women. Because of the cultural shame associated with abortion, many women use risky procedures to end unwanted pregnancies.
These improper abortions can result in severe complications such as infections, haemorrhage, and even death. The absence of access to safe, legal abortion services exacerbates the situation, making it a major public health concern (Bankole et al., 2021).
The cultural setting of Akamkpa LGA also influences views towards sex education. In many communities, discussing sexual health is considered unacceptable, particularly among young people.
This cultural taboo makes it difficult for educators to openly discuss sexuality and reproductive health. As a result, young people may be humiliated or embarrassed to seek information or assistance with sexual health difficulties, prolonging the cycle of misinformation and harmful behaviour (Oye-Adeniran et al., 2022).
Cultural sensitivities must be considered when improving sex education in Akamkpa LGA. Community leaders, parents, and educators must collaborate to foster an atmosphere in which sex education is viewed as an important and required component of the curriculum.
By integrating community stakeholders and tackling cultural taboos, it may be able to create more successful sex education programs that lower the number of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
Comprehensive sex education should cover contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), and healthy relationships. Educating young people about the many contraceptive methods available and how to use them effectively can greatly reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. Furthermore, offering knowledge about STIs and how to avoid them can benefit the community’s general sexual health (Assefa, 2017).
Addressing the issues of sex education in Akamkpa necessitates greater access to reproductive health services. Ensuring that young people have access to contraception and other reproductive health services is critical for preventing unwanted pregnancies and decreasing the number of unsafe abortions. Health care facilities should be equipped to provide these treatments in a confidential and youth-friendly setting (Ibrahim et al., 2023).
In addition to school-based sex education programs, community-based efforts can have a substantial impact on sexual health education. Community health workers and peer educators can be excellent providers of knowledge about sexual health and contraception. These efforts can help reach out-of-school kids and those who do not have access to formal education (WHO, 2022).
Parental involvement is another critical component of effective sex education programs. Parents should be taught and encouraged to have open discussions with their children about sexual health.
When parents are active, young people are more likely to hear consistent messages on the significance of safe sexual practices and contraception (Adeyemi et al., 2020).
Despite the hurdles, Akamkpa might learn from successful efforts in other parts of Nigeria. Programs that combine school-based education, community outreach, and healthcare services have had encouraging outcomes. These comprehensive approaches ensure that young people have consistent information and access to the resources they require to make informed sexual health decisions (Oyefabi et al., 2022).
Finally, sex education programs must be constantly evaluated and adapted. Monitoring and evaluation can help determine which components of the programs are most beneficial and where adjustments are required.
By regularly monitoring the impact of sex education initiatives, stakeholders may ensure that the programs stay relevant and effective in meeting the community’s sexual health needs (Nsubuga et al., 2020).
Theoretical Framework
Three applicable theories provide a strong framework for analysing the relationship between sex education and abortion in Akamkpa LGA.
Albert Bandura developed the Social Learning Theory, which states that people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modelling.
In terms of sex education, this idea proposes that adolescents learn about sexual behaviour and standards via their classmates, family, and the media. A lack of formal sex education can result in misunderstanding and unsafe sexual practices, which contribute to unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
The Theory of Planned Behaviour, proposed by Icek Ajzen, posits that an individual’s behaviour is determined by their intentions, which are impacted by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.
In Akamkpa LGA, cultural and religious beliefs influence views towards sex education and abortion. This hypothesis explains how these beliefs and perceived sex education norms influence adolescents’ sexual activity and contraception choices.
Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory emphasises the necessity of understanding humans in relation to their environment, which encompasses numerous layers of impact ranging from immediate surrounds (microsystem) to broader social aspects (macrosystem).
Applying this theory to Akamkpa LGA demonstrates how family, schools, community views, and policy contexts all impact sex education and abortion practices.
Statement of the Problem
Sex education in the Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State is inadequate, posing serious public health issues. One important gap is the cultural reluctance to openly discuss sexual health issues, which fosters misinformation and stigma.
Many Akamkpa communities consider sex education unacceptable, particularly for young people, resulting in a dearth of complete understanding about safe sexual behaviours and contraception (Makhaza & Ige, 2022).
This cultural taboo hinders efforts to implement effective sex education programs, exposing young people to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs).
Another major issue is a shortage of skilled educators who can confidently and accurately give sex education. Many Akamkpa teachers do not receive adequate training on how to explain sexuality and reproductive health, leading in pupils receiving inconsistent and often erroneous information (Kaleyu et al., 2020). The absence of professional development for educators poses a substantial impediment to the implementation of successful sex education programs.
Furthermore, there are insufficient resources given to sex education in the region. Schools frequently lack the materials and resources required to deliver comprehensive sexual health education.
This deficiency means that even when educators are willing to teach, they lack the resources needed to cover critical issues like contraception, safe sexual practices, and healthy relationships (Abiodun et al., 2023). As a result, students lack the necessary knowledge to make educated sexual health decisions.
The combination of cultural resistance, limited educator training, and a lack of resources leads to serious public health concerns. High rates of unwanted teen pregnancies and unsafe abortions are direct results of sex education deficiencies.
Due to a lack of access to safe, legal abortion services, many young women resort to hazardous techniques to terminate unwanted pregnancies, increasing the risk of serious health problems and fatality (Bankole et al., 2021). Addressing these gaps is critical to enhancing the Akamkpa LGA community’s sexual health and well-being.
Objectives of the Study
The study sought to accomplish the following specific objectives:
To identify the socio-cultural factors influencing sex education in Akamkpa LGA.
To determine the effect of sex education on the rate of abortion among adolescents in Akamkpa LGA.
To suggest strategies for increasing sex education and decreasing abortion rates in Akamkpa LGA.
Research Questions
The research questions that guided the study were as follows:
What socio-cultural factors influence the availability and acceptability of sex education in Akamkpa LGA?
How does the level of sex education relate to the prevalence of abortion among adolescents in Akamkpa LGA?
What initiatives may be adopted to improve sex education and reduce abortion rates in Akamkpa LGA?
Research Hypotheses
The research was guided by the following hypotheses:
There is no significant link between socio-cultural factors and the effectiveness of sex education in Akamkpa LGA.
The level of sex education has no significant impact on the prevalence of abortion among adolescents in Akamkpa LGA.
Implementing targeted strategies will not significantly improve sex education or reduce abortion rates in Akamkpa LGA.
Significance of the Study
The significance of this study on sex education and the challenge of abortion in Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State is multifaceted, addressing critical gaps in knowledge, practice, and policy. This research offers great importance for various reasons, spanning public health, educational reform, and socio-cultural development.
Firstly, this study intends to provide a complete overview of the current condition of sex education in Akamkpa LGA. By exposing the flaws and problems in the existing educational framework, it focusses light on the urgent need for comprehensive and successful sex education programs.
This understanding is vital for politicians and educational authorities who are responsible for creating and implementing curriculum modifications. An evidence-based approach to sex education can lead to more informed decisions that match with the actual needs and conditions of the local population.
Secondly, the study addresses the public health implications of inadequate sex education, particularly concerning unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
By documenting the correlation between poor sex education and these adverse outcomes, the research underscores the critical need for improved educational interventions to promote safe sexual practices.
Reducing the rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions can significantly decrease the associated health risks, including maternal mortality and morbidity.
This improvement in public health outcomes may also reduce the burden on healthcare systems, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and management.
Moreover, the research underscores the socio-cultural challenges to successful sex education, such as cultural taboos and aversion to discussing sexual health openly. Understanding these cultural dynamics is critical for establishing culturally sensitive solutions that will be more widely embraced by the community.
By incorporating community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders in the discourse, the study recommends for a more inclusive approach to sex education.
This involvement can lead to more community buy-in and support, which are vital for the successful implementation and maintenance of sex education programs.
The study also has substantial implications for gender equality and empowerment. Access to correct information on sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental right that supports the autonomy and empowerment of individuals, particularly young women.
By delivering comprehensive sex education, the study supports for empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make educated decisions about their bodies and futures.
This empowerment can lead to improved educational and economic possibilities for women, so contributing to overall societal advancement.
Furthermore, the findings can be used to support future research and activities focused at enhancing sexual and reproductive health education in similar settings.
By identifying the specific needs and challenges in Akamkpa LGA, the study provides a model that may be adapted and applied to other places with similar socio-cultural and educational situations. This versatility can increase the reach of sex education programs beyond their specific geographic region of study.
Finally, the work contributes to the global discourse on sexual and reproductive health education. By adding to the body of knowledge on the obstacles and effective solutions for sex education in low-resource and culturally conservative contexts, the research can inform international efforts to enhance sexual health education and outcomes.
The insights acquired from this study can help impact global policies and practices, encouraging better health and well-being for young people worldwide.
Scope of the Study
The study focused on Akamkpa LGA in Cross River State and investigated the following:
Socio-cultural aspects that influence sex education.
The link between sex education and the rate of abortion among adolescents.
Potential strategies for increasing sex education and lowering abortion rates.
The study was carried out in selected secondary schools and communities within Akamkpa LGA, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to collect thorough data.
The limitations of the study
The study included some limitations, which may have influenced the interpretation and generalisability of the results. First and foremost, cultural sensitivity was a significant constraint.
The discussion of sex education and abortion in Akamkpa LGA is inherently sensitive due to cultural norms and beliefs about sexuality and reproductive health. As a result, respondents may have been hesitant to provide honest answers, resulting in underreporting or biassed data.
Second, the study’s sample size was limited because it concentrated on a certain geographical area and a subset of respondents. This limited scope may not adequately represent the diversity of opinions and experiences among the larger population of Akamkpa LGA, hence the findings may not be applicable to other communities or locations with diverse socio-cultural circumstances.
Resource limits also posed a challenge to the research. The extent and depth of the investigation were limited due to a lack of financial, human, and infrastructure resources. For example, limitations in data collection and analysis may have hampered a thorough examination of the study questions and the identification of nuanced patterns or trends.
Additionally, access to information was another restriction. The sensitive nature of the topics discussed made it difficult in some circumstances to gather credible data.
Stigma, secrecy, and a lack of transparency surrounding sex education and abortion may have reduced data availability and accuracy. Consequently, the study may not have captured the entire breadth of the occurrences under inquiry.
Despite these limitations, the study provided significant findings. By recognising and addressing these limitations, future research endeavours might build on the findings of this study and aim to overcome them.
Furthermore, knowing the study’s limits improves the credibility and integrity of the research process, ultimately contributing to the growth of knowledge in the field of sex education and reproductive health in Akamkpa LGA and beyond.
Definition of Terms
For clarification, the following words are defined as used in the study:
Sex Education: Instruction on issues connected to human sexuality, including sexual development, reproductive health, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy, body image, and gender roles.
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by removing or expelling an embryo or foetus before it can survive outside of the uterus.
Adolescents are people between the ages of 10 and 19.
Socio-cultural Factors: The social and cultural influences that shape people’s behaviours, attitudes, and practices, such as norms, beliefs, traditions, and values.
Contraception refers to methods or equipment used to prevent pregnancy caused by sexual intercourse.
An unintended pregnancy is one that is either mistimed or unplanned at the time of conception.
Comprehensive Sex Education: A sex education method that includes a wide range of topics, including anatomy, reproduction, contraception, disease prevention, interpersonal interactions, and consent.
Safe Sexual Practices: Behaviours that lower the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preventing unwanted pregnancies, such as the use of condoms and other contraception.
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