The prevalence and need of comprehensive sexual education (CSE) in secondary schools in Africa

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the prevalence and discuss the need for inculcating comprehensive sexual education in secondary school curriculums in Africa. A double blinded cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated data tool or questionnaires to obtain the data for this study. Signed consent was given after detailed written explanation on each questionnaire. In the study, delegates were asked to choose a score from between 1 to 10 on how well they were taught CSE while in high/secondary, with 1 being little to no CSE and 10 being excellent CSE. An online Google form was used to retrieve the data and extracted as an excel shit. Statistical analysis of these data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. The result showed that while less than 50% of participants had CSE while in secondary school 18.6% (21) had little to no sex education what so ever and 1.8% (2) had very good Comprehensive sexual education. The results showed a sharp difference in prevalence between those who received no CSE, those who had an average level of CSE and those who had an excellent CSE while in secondary school. However, we must commend the fact that some 25.40% had an above average CSE while in secondary school. However, this is very low. Africans have an early age of sexual debut that usually falls within the high school age range. In conclusion, while secondary schools in Africa should consider designing a standard CSE program, they should work towards uniformity and a rich content. As it will be a valuable tool to cubbing poor SRHR practices and maternal mortality rates (MMR) in Africa.