Management of sexuality education and deviant behaviors among adolescent students in secondary schools in Bugiri District, Uganda

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated management of sexuality education and deviant behaviours of adolescent learners in secondary schools in Bugiri District in Uganda by specifically focusing on: the extent to which deviant behaviours are manifested by adolescent learners; identify the approaches to management of sexuality education; and the influence of management of sexuality education on behaviours of adolescent learners. A cross-sectional survey design employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed on a sample of 320 students, 166 teachers and 10 head teachers. Stratified, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques were applied. The questionnaire guide was found valid (CVI > .70) and reliable (Cronbach alpha > .60). The researcher used regression analysis measure the influence of sexuality education on deviant behaviours of adolescent students. According to findings, deviant behaviours among secondary school students primarily manifested as smoking, bullying, neglecting personal hygiene, and engaging in sexual activity while at school. The study also found out that the child-to-child approach, counseling and guidance, and friendly school policies were key deviant behaviour management approaches in Public secondary schools in Bugiri District. Finally, it was established that sexuality education significantly influenced behaviors of adolescent students (B = .633, t = 5.751, p < .05). The study concluded that Adolescent students still practice deviant behaviours in public secondary schools; such behaviours can be curbed through guidance and counselling, empowering students‟ leadership bodies, sensitizing the students of the after effects of deviant behaviours, making a follow up for reformatory purposes as well as allowing productive peer group interactions. The study recommends that Ministry of Education and Sports should organize workshops and seminars on management approaches of Sexuality Education, the National Curriculum Development Center to design an appropriate comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum that fits the recommended age and sex, incorporating interactive and participatory teaching methods that promotes critical thinking