Challenges of Family-oriented Sexual Health Education in Northern Nigeria and their Implications on Children’s Well-Being: A Phenomenological Exploration of Educator’s Perspectives

Background & aim: Family-oriented sexual health education plays an important role in promoting the well-being of individuals. However, in many countries, its proper implementation has faced restrictions. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of educators regarding the challenges surrounding family-based sexual health education in northern Nigeria.Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted in northern Nigeria between March and August ۲۰۲۳. Participants included ۱۴ university faculty members and health educators from five states, who were selected by purposeful sampling. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's strategy of descriptive phenomenological data analysis. MAXQDA version ۲۰ was used for data organization.Results: The data analysis yielded four main themes including sixteen subthemes, which we classified into Extra personal challenges, interpersonal obstacles, intrapersonal barriers, and considerations for improved implementation. The first theme highlighted challenges such as inconsistency of the educational program, socio-economic barriers, regional and ethnic disparities, religious concerns, cultural challenges, media threats, and regional insecurity. The second theme reflected functional and interactional obstacles including parents’ negative attitudes, weakness of parenting approach, lack of sexuality education knowledge and skill, and incompetent role models. The third theme encompassed shame and personal discomfort, as well as irresponsibility and lack of motivation. The last theme emphasized developmental considerations, emphasis on moral values, and utilizing cultural and religious opportunities.Conclusion: More robust policies, cultural inclusivity, and interventions aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of educators and caregivers could mitigate the current barriers' repercussions on reproductive health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sexual Education ، Sexual health ، Child ، Qualitative research ، Nigeria