Consequences of Pre-Marital Sex among the Youth a Study of University of Maiduguri

Abstract

This study was conducted in the University of Maiduguri. One of the Goals of the MDGs is to reduce HIV/STIs among the general population in the society. In this context it is important to understand why youth still engage in risky sexual behavior and the effects it has on them. The study focused on the effects and consequence of engaging in pre-marital sex among the youth of University of Maiduguri. The data were collected using multi methods — Survey, Focus Group Discussion and review of University security records. The stratified random technique was used to draw respondents from a sampling frame sourced from the University Information Management Unit. The sample size is 318 (286 for the survey and 32 focus group participants) The SSPS software was used in the analysis of the data. Findings revealed that pre-marital sex among the youth in the University has a number of effects and consequences on the youth. Some of the consequences include HIV/STIs, Regrets, Unwanted pregnancy, loss of self respect, loss of family support, Depression and victims to rituals among others. The study recommends Sex Education courses in all institutions of learning. Government should also partner with NGOs and embark on advocacy and campaign on the need to sustain sex free life and dicourage advocates of use of condom with sex. The University authority should live up to its responsibility as a custodian of youth in its care. Effective supervision of both academic and social life of youth in the University by the authorities and regular conferences and workshops by the authority, Students Union, ASUU, NASU and other associations on the Dangers of Pre-marital Sex, are some of the recommendations put forward.