PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANT OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONGST SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN IMO STATE

Abstract Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes are critical components of overall health and well-being, particularly among adolescents who are at a formative stage of physical, emotional, and social development. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of SRH outcomes is essential for designing effective interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ health and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of sexual and reproductive health outcomes among senior secondary school students in Owerri, Imo State. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 510 Senior Secondary School (SS1–SS3) students selected from 17 secondary schools in Owerri through a multistage simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires which assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and socio-cultural and economic factors related to SRH. Data analysis was conducted using appropriate statistical tools, and the Chi-square test was applied to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The respondents consisted of 269 (53.1%) males and 238 (46.9%) females, giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.13:1. More than half of the participants attended private schools (58.2%), the majority came from monogamous families (84.2%), and most had parents with at least tertiary education (75%). The major sources of SRH information were the internet (39.8%) and mothers (33.9%). The prevalence of SRH outcomes was relatively low, with adolescent pregnancy at 9.7%, abortion at 4.9%, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at 8.7%. Despite this, a large proportion of respondents (82.4%) demonstrated poor knowledge and awareness of SRH education and outcomes, although 67.9% exhibited a positive attitude toward SRH education. Significant socio-demographic factors associated with SRH outcomes included age, male gender, and school type (public, mixed, or boys-only). Sociocultural and economic determinants significantly associated with SRH outcomes included age at first sexual intercourse, parental financial status, attendance at SRH classes, exposure to sexual activities, condom use, and the use of stimulant drugs. The study concludes that strengthening sexual and reproductive health education among adolescents is essential to equip them with accurate knowledge and decision-making skills. Prioritizing comprehensive SRH education in schools and communities will empower adolescents to make informed choices regarding their health, thereby improving their overall well-being and future prospects. Keywords: Prevalence, Determinants, Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes, Adolescents, Senior Secondary School Students.