Department of Public Health

Permanent URI for this community

https://repository.lcu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/2
Department of Public Health

Welcome to the Department of Public Health

We are committed to promoting and protecting the health of our community. Our mission is to provide evidence-based public health services, conduct research, and educate the public on health-related matters.

Explore our programs, learn about our initiatives, and stay informed about public health news and events.

Contact us at publichealth@lcu.edu.ng for any inquiries.

Browse

Browsing Department of Public Health by Subject "adolescents"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Agatha Nkiruka DAVID
    This quantitative cross-sectional study assessed the sexual and reproductive health (SRH)n knowledge, attitude and experience of adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYLHIV) in Lagos, Nigeria. Data from randomly selected 443 AYLHIV from 4 facilities, were obtained with a self-administered questionnaire from February to August 2023. T-tests, and odds ratio and logistic regression statistics were used for data analysis. Mean age of respondents was 18.5(±2.9) years, majority were male (51.5%), in school (61.2%), and perinatally infected with HIV (81.7%). A minority smoked (6.3%) and took street drugs (6.7%). Two-thirds (69.8%) had poor knowledge of, and half (49.7%) had negative attitude to SRH. Factors associated with good knowledge were older age (aOR=1.07[1.03-1.10]), comprehensive sexuality education(CSE (aOR=2.30[1.34- 3.92]),higher socio-economic status (aOR=1.04[1.01-1.08]), HIV status disclosure (aOR=2.61 [1.57-4.36]), and SRH communication with caregivers (aOR=2.47[1.61-3.79]). Factors associated with attitude were age, CSE, SRH communication, SRH knowledge and sexual experience (p <0.05). Mean age at menarche was 13.3(±2.3) years, and majority of AGYW (64.6%) had good menstrual hygiene practice. Factors associated with good MHP was having learned of menstruation before menarche (OR:2.45[1.03-5.93]). 32.5% of respondents were sexually experienced with sexual debut at 17.2(±3.3) years. Early sexual debut [21.1%], inconsistent condom use [52.9%], transactional sex [23.3%], and multiple sexual partnership [51.8%], were common. Sexual abuse (20.1%), intimate partner violence (8.1%), unintended pregnancies (20.9%), and sexually transmitted infection (14.6%) were also prevalent. Factors associated with these adverse experiences were not having CSE, no SRH communication with caregivers, low socio-economic status and poor SRH knowledge. Available AYFCs did not offer comprehensive SRH services, only providing SRH counselling, occasional condoms, and referrals for other SRH issues. Improving access to SRH information, education, and service, and providing support for HIV status disclosure for AYLHIV, improving socio-economic condition of the society, and helping parents improve communication skills would ensure optimal SRH of AYLHIV. Key Words: Sexual and reproductive health, adolescents, young adults, knowledge, attitude, experience, Lagos, Nigeria Word Count: 300
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Prevalence and Determinants of Gender-Based Violence Among Adolescents in Private and Public Secondary Schools in Lagos State
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Rotimi AYODELE
    Gender-based violence (GBV) among adolescents is a growing public health concern globally, with the WHO African region reporting a prevalence of 33%. In Nigeria, the prevalence of Gender-based violence reached 48% in 2021, with Lagos State reporting 3,193 cases in 2020. Despite these alarming figures, limited research exists on Gender-based violence among adolescents in Lagos, particularly in comparing its occurrence in private and public secondary schools. This study assessed and compared the prevalence, risk factors, and determinants of GBV among adolescents in private and public secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. It aimed to fill the gap in understanding GBV among adolescents in a diverse educational setting, using a socio-ecological framework to explore individual, relationship, community, and societal-level influences on GBV. A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving a sample size of 723 adolescents selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected through a validated semi-structured questionnaire covering socio￾ecological factors, knowledge, prevalence, and reporting channels related to GBV. Knowledge of GBV was assessed by evaluating respondents' understanding of psychological, physical, and sexual violence, with "good knowledge" defined as correctly identifying at least 60% of items in both categories. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0 and Python 3, with chi-square and logistic regression applied at a significance level of 0.05 to identify key determinants of GBV. Demographic data showed that the overall mean age was 15.4 years, with public school students predominantly aged 15-19 (87.2%) and private school students mostly aged 10-14 (45.5%). Females constituted the majority in both public and private schools (64.3% overall). Christianity was the dominant religion, with about 58% of students in both school types identifying as Christian. Parental education varied, with public school parents predominantly having secondary education (51.4%), while most private school parents had tertiary education (47.3%). Alcohol consumption rates were similar in both school types (10.0% in public, 10.4% in private). Prevalence rates of physical maltreatment were higher in public schools (18.1%) than in private schools (9.3%), while forced sex was more prevalent in private schools (10.5%) compared to public schools (7.2%). Additionally, knowledge of GBV was higher among private school students. Educational level (p = 0.025, OR = 1.62), family background, gender, and past experiences of abuse emerged as significant determinants of GBV prevalence among the respondents. This study concludes that comprehensive GBV education, strengthened reporting mechanisms, and the provision of supportive services are critical to addressing GBV among adolescents in Lagos. It is imperative that both public and private schools in Lagos State implement GBV education programs, involve parents, and foster community partnerships to combat the growing threat of GBV. Additionally, targeted interventions are necessary to address the specific socio-ecological factors influencing GBV, thereby contributing to broader efforts in improving adolescent health and overall safety. Addressing these challenges requires multi-sectoral collaboration, including policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers. The study’s findings contribute valuable insights to the existing public health literature on adolescent GBV in Nigeria, supporting future policies and interventions aimed at mitigating this public health crisis. Keywords: prevalence, determinants, GBV, adolescents Word count: 500