Perceived Barriers to Parental Sex Education in Oteri Community in Southern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Inadequate parental guidance has been linked to persistent adolescent sexual health challenges, including teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and risky sexual behaviors. This study examined parents’ behaviors regarding adolescent sex education in Oteri Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A purposive sample of 130 parents of adolescents aged 10–19 years participated. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results: Although 68% of parents demonstrated good knowledge of adolescent sex education, only 54% reported engaging in regular discussions with their children. Home-based sex education was generally irregular, often limited to menstruation and abstinence, while sensitive topics such as contraception and sexually transmitted infections were largely neglected. Major barriers included cultural taboos, embarrassment, religious beliefs, and lack of knowledge. Despite these challenges, parents acknowledged the importance of sex education and expressed willingness to improve through government campaigns, school collaboration, and health seminars.

Conclusion: Parents in Oteri community possess fair knowledge of adolescent sex education, but their attitudes and practices are constrained by socio‑cultural and religious influences. Community‑based sensitization, parental training workshops, and stronger collaboration among parents, schools, health workers, and religious leaders are recommended to strengthen effective communication on adolescent sexual and reproductive health.