Advocacy for Sexuality Education and Behaviors of Students in Secondary Schools in Kamuli District

Musa Kasiita, Aisha Mbeya, Yazidi Katureebe & David Wekhoola Muwoya
Department of Educational Management and Administration
Islamic University in Uganda
Email: kasiitamusa2006@gmail.com

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of sexuality education on the unacceptable behaviours of students in secondary schools in Kamuli District in Uganda. The objectives of study were: to establish the commonest antisocial behaviours manifested among students in secondary schools, and to establish the extent to which advocacy for sexuality education influences improvement in behaviors of students in secondary schools. A cross-sectional survey research design employing both qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques was employed. The sample size comprised 320 students and 486 teachers. The researcher used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate results. Regression analysis was used to establish the influence of sexuality education on unacceptable behaviours of students. According to findings, unacceptable behaviours among secondary school students primarily manifest as smoking on school premises, instances of male students engaging in bullying their female peers, neglecting personal hygiene, and engaging in sexual activity while at school. Secondary school students were exposed to a range of topics including reproductive anatomy, contraception techniques, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), consent, and healthy relationships. Sexuality education was strongly and statistically correlated with behaviours of students (r = 0.633 p < .05). The study concludes that there is a positive and significant relationship between sexuality education and the behaviours of students in secondary schools in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda.