Sources Of Information On Family Life Health Education (FLHE) Among The Youth And Preparedness Of Teachers for FLHE Curriculum Delivery In Nassarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The youth constitute a significant demographic group with peculiar developmental and reproductive health needs. They encounter challenges such as limited access to proper health information needed for informed life choices and this makes them vulnerable to risky behaviour that threatens their proper development and well-being. This survey sought to find out the current and the preferred sources of information for the youth about family life health education (FLHE). It also sought to ascertain the preparedness of teachers to provide such education to in-school youth. The survey was a cross sectional study among in-school youth, out-of-school youth and science teachers in 6 selected schools in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The findings showed that school teachers (44.1%), and mothers (28.4%) are the most common sources of FLHE information for the youth. Only 4% of the youth consider this to be satisfactory. About 36% would prefer impersonal sources such as television, films or magazines. This findings suggest that there is an urgent need for government and youth development stakeholders to redirect efforts to upscale the teaching of family life health education in schools as that is where pupils are currently obtaining the information they need. It is therefore suggested that more training should be conducted for teachers while the FLHE curriculum should be adapted to meet local needs. It is also important to prepare educational materials for media such as films, videos and magazines, as the youth have a preference for these sources.