Beyond Knowledge: Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness, Reported Practices and Information Sources among Adolescents in Two Communities of Apomu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge may coexist with practices that increase exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. This study described sexual experience, STI and contraceptive awareness, and SRH information sources among adolescents in Molete and Lagbaja, Apomu, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken from September 2025 to March 2026 among adolescents aged 10–19 years. Of the 385 questionnaires administered, 374 (97.1%) were included in the analysis after 11 questionnaires with more than 20% missing data were excluded. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, sexual experiences, HIV/STI and contraceptive knowledge, psychosocial domains, and information sources. Counts, percentages, selected differences between marginal percentages, and logical bounds for overlapping sexual-behaviour indicators were summarised. Results. Lifetime sexual intercourse was reported by 187 of 374 participants (50.0%). Among these 187 respondents, 68 (36.4%) reported sexual debut before 15 years, 116 (62.0%) inconsistent or no condom use, 89 (47.6%) two or more partners, and 31 (16.6%) transactional sex. Awareness of HIV/AIDS was 96.3%, compared with 31.8% for chlamydia and 18.7% for human papillomavirus. Peers/friends (68.4%) and social media/internet (55.1%) were common information sources. Without information on overlap between the four sexual-behaviour indicators, the number reporting at least one lies logically between 116 and 187; an exact composite prevalence and its adjusted correlates are not identifiable from the available summaries. Conclusion. The two-community sample exhibited substantial variation in SRH awareness and reported sexual practices. Strengthening comprehensive, age-appropriate information, practical protective skills, and adolescent-responsive services warrants consideration. The observed proportions describe surveyed adolescents and should not be taken as representative of a wider population or as evidence of causal relationships.