Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

There has been an increasing awareness of the need to pay special focus on the adolescent and their sexual and reproductive health. This article reviews the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in the Niger Delta region (NDR) of Nigeria. The objective is to bring to focus these important issues in the region.Adolescents in the NDR engage in unhealthy sexual behaviour characterized by early age at sexual initiation, unsafe sex and multiple sexual partners. The local socio-economic condition exerts extra pressure on the adolescent with negative reproductive health consequences. There is urgent need to develop a time bound strategic framework and plan to redress this situation. This will require the participation of all stake holders. RÉSUMÉLa santé sexuelle et de reproduction de l'adolescent dans la région du Niger Delta au Nigéria: Questions et défis Il y a eu une conscience croissante de la nécessité de prêter une attention particulière aux adolescents et à leur santé sexuelle et de reproduction. Cet article passe en revue la santé sexuelle et de reproduction des adolescents dans la région du Niger Delta du Nigéria (RND). L'objectif est de tirer l'attention aux questions importantes concernant la région. Les adolescents dans la RND s'engagent dans des comportements sexuels malsains caractérisés par l'initiation sexuelle précose, l'acte sexuel dangereux et des multiples partenaires sexuels. La condition socioéconomique locale exerce une pression supplémentaire sur l'adolescent, aboutissant à des consequences de la santé de reproduction negatives. Il y a une nécessité urgente d'élaborer un cadre stratégique et un plan qui seront liés au temps afin de corriger la situation. Ceci exigera la participation de tous les partis-prenant. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2007; 11[1]:113-124).

Differences in HIV knowledge and sexual practices of learners with intellectual disabilities and non‐disabled learners in Nigeria

“…Numerous studies had been undertaken to document HIV knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices of Nigerian adolescents, and the shift is now towards determining effective interventions in this group [28–32], whereas only very few are available on adolescents with disabilities. Studies on HIV knowledge and sexuality of adolescents with disability are necessary to provide baseline information for tailored sexuality and HIV education for this group of individuals.…”

Global lessons on healthy adolescent sexual development

“…Several of these factors appear to be similar worldwide. For example, higher levels of education, younger age, lack of substance use, and lack of a relationship are protective factors for abstinence [18][19][20][21]22 ]. Some protective factors appear to differ by sex.…”

Integrating mHealth into adolescent sexual and reproductive health promotion in Nigeria: prospects and barriers

“…6,33 It also highlighted the need for access to accurate and reliable information on SRH issues and services and behavioural change communication among Nigerian adolescents. 30,44 This need creates a huge potential for mHealth use in ASRH in Nigeria. This is considered very favourable.…”

“…43 A major problem is the poor budgetary allocation to ASRH 24 Study findings report that less than 10% of public health facilities offer youth-friendly services and one of the reasons given by staff was the fear of promoting promiscuity. 44,45 These services when available at primary health centres (PHC) are under-utilised by adolescents due to the poorly tailored nature of the service to adolescents and the general assumption that PHC services are for pregnant women and children. [44][45][46] In addition, accessibility barriers in terms of location and cost of services and provider barriers bothering on confidentiality and judgemental attitudes limit uptake of services.…”

“…44,45 These services when available at primary health centres (PHC) are under-utilised by adolescents due to the poorly tailored nature of the service to adolescents and the general assumption that PHC services are for pregnant women and children. [44][45][46] In addition, accessibility barriers in terms of location and cost of services and provider barriers bothering on confidentiality and judgemental attitudes limit uptake of services. 46 Other problems identified include poor awareness and political support of policies at lower tiers of government.…”