Assessment of parental attitude towards the introduction of sex Education in Junior Secondary School curriculum in Oyo State

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health issues are fraught with many challenges. Some challenges include but are not limited to; unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion and promiscuity. These are likely traceable to poor school performance, mental health issues, school drop-outs and psychological issues for the adolescents. Therefore, this study investigated “Assessment of Parents' Attitude towards the introduction of Sex Education in the Junior Secondary Schools Curriculum in Oyo State, Nigeria”. Descriptive Survey Research design was used for the study, with sample size of 200 male and female parents, purposively selected for the study. A self- developed questionnaire with (r = 0.76) was used to elicit response from the participants. The result (x= 2.92) showed that 65% of parents approved the introduction of sex education into the school curriculum. Also, 75% (x = 3.49) indicated their willingness for sex education to be taught as a subject in the school. In addition, male and female opinions do not differ (minimal) on the inclusion of sex education into the curriculum (t(198) = 2.349, P ≤0.407), male(x= 75.30), female (x=73.40).

Based on the findings, parents should be intimated concerning any information related to sex

education in schools and teacher's teaching should possess adequate knowledge of the subject. It is therefore, recommended that sexuality education curriculum should contain in it learning preferences; images and materials should be appropriately used.