The Perceived Effects of Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy Among Teenage Girls in Nsukka Local Government.

This study examined the perceived effects of sex education on teenage pregnancy among girls in Nsukka Local Government Area. The research was guided by four objectives and three hypotheses, with the Social Ecological Model serving as the theoretical anchor while also reviewing four other theories. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and 394 respondents participated in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings indicated that a significant proportion of respondents, 128 (32.8%) strongly agreed and 157 (40.3%) agreed that girls who received comprehensive sex education were less likely to become pregnant, while 71 (18.2%) disagreed and 34 (8.7%) strongly disagreed, suggesting skepticism about its impact. Regarding the consistency of sex education in schools, 46 (11.8%) strongly agreed and 89 (22.8%) agreed that it was consistently taught, whereas 155 (39.7%) disagreed and 100 (25.7%) strongly disagreed, raising concerns about its proper implementation. Additionally, access to sex education resources for teenagers in Nsukka appeared limited, as 39 (10.0%) strongly agreed and 68 (17.4%) agreed that such resources were available, while a significant 174 (44.6%) disagreed and 109 (28.0%) strongly disagreed, highlighting accessibility challenges. On the causes of teenage pregnancies, 143 (36.7%) strongly agreed and 121 (31.0%) agreed that most cases resulted from a lack of sexual health knowledge, while 81 (20.8%) disagreed and 45 (11.5%) strongly disagreed, reinforcing the importance of proper education. Based on these findings, the study recommended strengthening the integration of comprehensive sex education into school curricula, increasing community-based sexual health awareness programs, and improving access to sex education resources for teenagers.