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An assessment of the awareness of sexual and reproductive rights among adolescents in south western Nigeria.

Ogunlayi MA

Department for International Development Nigeria, Plot 607 Bobo Street, P. O. Box 4808, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. m-ogunlayi@dfid.gov.uk

This study, conducted in Ikeja and Ikorodu Local Government Areas of Lagos State, examined the awareness of sexual and reproductive rights among adolescents in south-western Nigeria. A total of 600 in-school and out-of-school adolescents were interviewed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The study revealed that majority of the adolescents were aware of sexual and reproductive health rights (60.3% in Ikeja LGA and 62.3% in Ikorodu LGA) but lacked knowledge of contents of the rights. Majority of them in various categories (by school condition and type of settlement) were not aware of sexual and reproductive health programmes being implemented for adolescents. In addition, those who were aware of such intervention programmes could not access or use the services due to certain sociocultural barriers. The study recommends formulation of appropriate intervention strategies and programmes for adolescents so that they may be aware and knowledgeable of their sexual and reproductive rights.

Published 17 August 2005 in Afr J Reprod Health, 9(1): 99-112.

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