The influence of sex education on adolescents’ involvement in premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania

Abstract

Premarital sex and adolescent pregnancy are among challenges to development. Globally Tanzania is among countries with highest rates of adolescent pregnancies having 44% of women become pregnant at teen age accounting for 40% of school dropouts. Despite provision of sex education in schools, the problem still persists with little information about its influence on adolescents’ sexual behavior. This study, therefore, intended to identify and describe the influence of sex education on adolescents’ involvement in premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania. The study population comprised adolescents aged 14-24 years. Descriptive survey, and purposive and snow ball sampling were employed. A pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Data collection was through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and documentary review with interview schedules and discussion checklists as instruments. Content analysis was used based on the objectives. The major findings were as follows; majority of the adolescents engage in sexual practices with multiple partners. Sex education guides adolescents to avoid premarital sex and reproduction but is also a factor in influencing adolescents’ engagement in sexual acts. Based on the findings, the study recommends: government to ensure effective sex education by training teachers on the subject matter, providing appropriate instructional resources, making sex education a compulsory and independent subject for all students, schools to establish guidance and counseling sessions and work with stake holders to integrate moral values among adolescents, through reintroduction and improvement of religious classes and other curricula activities