Abstract
Background: The sexual health indices of the adolescents are very poor. This study ascertained the factors influencing the sexual behaviour among female adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria. Method: This was a cross sectional design in which a total of 800 female adolescents were selected from secondary schools in the area using multistage sampling method; and also selected from a major market (for those who were not at school) in the same geographical area using cluster sampling technique. Data were collected from the respondents about socio-demographic profile, reproductive and sexual health knowledge, attitude, behavior, sources of sexual health information. Result: The highest proportion of students who had ever had sex was found among the 16 - 17 years age group while the modal age group was 18 - 19 years for non students. Also “not living with both parents” and poor family background, were markedly associated with increased likelihood to engage in sexual activity. Poverty level was particularly high among the non-student adolescents. Furthermore, wrong knowledge of fertile period, low risk perception of HIV and premarital, and use of condoms among the respondents were all significantly associated with increased chance to engage in sex. The student adolescents got sexuality information mainly from the teachers; as opposed to their non-student counterparts who had youth organization and friends as main sources. Conclusion: Family values, poverty alleviation, change of attitude through appropriate health and sexuality education especially targeting the non-student adolescents are highly recommended. Sexual negotiation skill, accessible formal education for all should be encouraged to create the right sexual behavior among the adolescent girls.
Highlights
Socio-economic factors such as family size, income, type of housing and housing environment, social value, nature of job, affect the sexual behaviour of adolescents
The non-student adolescents are most often found in such conditions and more vulnerable to early sexual exposures compared to their student counterparts
A study carried out in Lagos among out-of-school female adolescents reported that more than 60% of those who reside with relatives or friends were sexually active compared to those who lived with both or either parents (38%) [2]
Summary
Socio-economic factors such as family size, income, type of housing and housing environment, social value, nature of job, affect the sexual behaviour of adolescents. A study carried out in Ibadan reported that poverty, lack of parental monitoring and parents working long hours push the adolescents especially the out-of-school ones into unnecessary sexual relationships [1] It reported that children from poor homes are likely to be street children, hawkers and more likely to live in a neighborhood that will influence them negatively. The author reported that children from highly educated home and conducive environment are prone to good behaviour and acceptable norms and values of the society than children from illiterate homes and poverty ridden homes This finding is consistent with studies carried out among American adolescents where it was reported that higher levels of parental education have been associated with lower adolescent sexual activity, delay of intercourse initiation, greater use of contraception and lower risk of pregnancy. This study examined the factors influencing sexual activity among female adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
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