Assessment of Adolescent Reproductive Health Knowledge and Risk Behaviours Among Secondary School Students in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Adolescents in Nigeria are increasingly exposed to sexual health risks compounded by inadequate reproductive health education and limited access to youth-friendly health services. This cross-sectional study assesses reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviours among secondary school students aged 13 to 19 years in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A total of 480 students were selected from four secondary schools in Enugu North and Nkanu West local government areas through stratified random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire covered knowledge of STIs including HIV, contraceptive awareness, sexual debut age, condom use, and sexual risk-taking behaviours. Results showed that 68.3% of respondents had adequate knowledge of HIV transmission, while knowledge of other STIs was notably lower. Sexual activity was reported by 29.2% of students, with a mean age of sexual debut of 15.8 years. Consistent condom use among sexually active students was reported by only 31.4%. Peer pressure was identified as the most influential factor for sexual risk behaviour (57.9%). Access to reproductive health services was rated as poor by 72.6% of respondents. The study highlights critical gaps in adolescent sexual health education and the need for school-based programmes, peer educator training, and establishment of youth-friendly health centres. Keywords: adolescent reproductive health, sexual risk behaviour, Enugu State, secondary school, South East Nigeria.