Teenage sexual activity in Zambia: the need for a sex education policy
Pillai, V.K.; Yates, D.L.
Journal of Biosocial Science 25(3): 411-414
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9320 PMID: 8360234 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932000020733Document Number: 327115
The need for sex education was determined on the basis of information gleaned from a survey of 516 female high school students aged 13-20 years in urban provinces of Lusaka-Central and Copperbelt, Zambia. The aim of the survey was to assess the prevalence of sexual activity, the extent of knowledge of modern family planning (FP) methods, and the role of parents in educating their children about sexuality. The results showed that 71% had boyfriends of which 67% had a steady or close relationship. 48% of the sample were considered to be at high risk of sexual intercourse. Sexual activity in the 2-month period preceding the survey was reported as 27.3% for "rarely or more often." 31% of 17 years olds had engaged in intercourse; this compares with a Nairobi, Kenya, survey of secondary school females with 23.8% reporting on active sex life and a Nigerian study with 28% reporting sexual activity. 33% of 13 and 16 year olds and 24% of 17 and 20 year olds had intercourse more than very rarely. A statistically significant relationship was found between age and likelihood of intercourse. 94% had never used modern FP methods. 30% felt it was easy to discuss sexual matters with their mothers and 77% felt it was difficult to discuss sexual matters with their fathers. 65% had heard of modern FP methods; more were in the older age groups than younger age groups. Only 46% had gone through the formal initiation ceremony, which provides the traditional methods of sex education. The extent of premarital sexual activity, the limited communication with parents, the limited use of contraception, and the decline in traditional ceremonies points to the need for school-based sex education classes. The aim would be to improve parent-teenager communication and to provide reliable and accurate information. Birth control information and access need to be made available to unmarried women as a means for women to control their fertility and reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Zambian laws must be changes to reflect these needs.