Perception and Awareness on Socio-Scientific Issues in Reproductive Biology Among Senior Secondary School Students in Bauchi Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated the perception and awareness of socio-scientific issues in reproductive Biology among senior secondary school students in Bauchi metropolis. The research has two objectives and two research questions that were meant to guide the study. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprises all SS II Biology students in Bauchi Metropolis, totaling 4,443 students across 26 senior secondary schools. The sample size was determined using Yamane's formula (1967). The sample size for the study was 68 students. The main instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Perception and Awareness of Socio-Scientific Issues in Reproductive Biology Questionnaire (PASSIRBQ)". Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected from the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that Students have positive perceptions about contraceptives, teenage pregnancy, and assisted reproductive technologies, though religious and cultural values influence certain perceptions, awareness of socio-scientific issues is high regarding teenage pregnancy and contraception, but low regarding formal educational programs, and gender does not significantly affect perceptions and awareness, suggesting reproductive education should target both genders equally. Based on the findings, the study concludes that senior secondary school students in Bauchi Metropolis generally hold positive perceptions toward socio-scientific issues in reproductive Biology and are aware of the consequences of teenage pregnancy and the benefits of contraception. The study also established that students' awareness is shaped not only by school-based education but also by informal channels such as social media, peers, and family discussions, which can sometimes result in partial or biased understanding. Based on the findings and conclusions, it's recommended that, the ministry of Education and school administrators should ensure that socio-scientific issues in reproductive Biology, such as contraception, teenage pregnancy, and assisted reproductive technologies, are explicitly included in the SS II Biology curriculum.