Parental Guidance, Peer Association As Correlate Of Preventive Measures Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Secondary School Students In Ekwusigo Local Government Area In Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study adopted correlational survey design to established the relationship between parental guidance. peer association and preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases among secondary school students in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. A sample of 266 SS2 students in six public secondary schools in the study area were selected using simple random sampling technique. One instrument titled “Source of preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases (SPMSTQ) was developed by the researchers with the help of experts and used for data collection. The reliability of the questionnaire, established using Cronbach Alpha which ranges from 81 to .86. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment correlation Coefficient at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that parental guidance and peer association individually significantly relate to the preventive measure against sexually transmitted diseases among secondary school students in Ekwusigo Iocal government area of Anambra State, Nigeria. it was concluded that preventive measures against sexually transmitted diseases among secondary school students depend on effective parental guidance and positive peer association. Based on the findings and conclusion of this study, it was recommended amongst others that Schools and communities should encourage parents to engage in open discussions about sexual health with their children. This would help to minimize the rate of sexually transmitted diseases among secondary school students