SEXUAL EDUCATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 10 TO 15 IN RELATION TO STI, HIV, AND AIDS PREVENTION: A CASE STUDY OF APADE PRIMARY SCHOOL (September 1, 2025 – October 30, 2025)
Sexual education plays a critical role in equipping children with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and AIDS. This study assessed sexual education among school-going children aged 10 to 15 years at APADE, with particular emphasis on its role in the prevention of STIs, HIV, and AIDS. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed among 227 pupils drawn from upper primary classes, representing 42.5% of the total school population. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to puberty, STIs, HIV/AIDS, sexual behavior, and preventive measures. The findings indicated that 54% of respondents were able to correctly identify at least three physical characteristics of puberty, including voice changes in boys, onset of menstruation in girls, and growth of body hair. Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high, with 89% of learners identifying it as a sexually transmitted infection, and 91% recognizing unprotected sexual intercourse as a major risk factor for HIV, AIDS, and other STIs. Abstinence was cited as the primary method of prevention by 67% of respondents. Despite this awareness, gaps remained in comprehensive sexual health knowledge. Regarding attitudes and behaviors, 25% of the pupils reported having engaged in sexual intercourse, a concerning proportion given their age. Among those who were sexually active, 85% reported having had sexual intercourse only once. More than half (53%) reported that their first sexual experience occurred with peers, while 21% indicated involvement with family members. Additionally, 79% of reported sexual encounters occurred at home, and 53% of respondents cited curiosity or pleasure as the main reason for engaging in sexual activity. In terms of preventive practices, 63% of sexually active respondents reported not using a condom during sexual intercourse, and 74% perceived condom use as being contrary to cultural norms. These findings highlight early sexual initiation, low condom use, and persistent cultural barriers as major challenges to effective STI, HIV, and AIDS prevention among school-aged children. The study concludes that although basic awareness of HIV/AIDS exists, comprehensive sexual education among children aged 10 to 15 years at APADE remains inadequate. The high prevalence of early sexual activity combined with low protective practices underscores the urgent need for structured, age-appropriate sexual education programs integrated into school curricula, strengthened parental involvement, and culturally sensitive community-based interventions to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes among children.
