Awareness Level of Health Consequences of Commercial Sex Work Among Secondary School Adolescents in Oguta L.GA. of Imo State

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to find out the level of awareness of physical, emotional and social health consequences of prostitution among in-secondary school adolescents in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State. In order to guide the study, three objectives, three research questions and four null hypotheses were postulated. Related literature were reviewed and summarized Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of 4,456 secondary school students in 0guta LGA of lmo State. The sample consisted of 500 students from ten randomly drawn secondary schools in Oguta Local Government Area. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage and grand mean; as well as inferential statistics of Chi-Square. The result revealed low level of awareness of physical, emotional and social health consequences of promiscuity among in-secondary school adolescents in Oguta Local Government Area. Significant relationship existed between male and female in-school adolescents in their level of awareness of health consequences of commercial sex work. Also significant relationship existed among respondents of various ages, religious affiliations and parents' level of education in their level of awareness of health consequences of promiscuous behaviour. Based on the findings, conclusion, were drawn among which is that health educators and curriculum planners should include basic concepts of healthy lifestyles and health promotion in school curriculum as the basis for good behaviour change in adolescent as well as in all adults in Qguta Local Government Area.