Prevalence and Predictors of Early Sexual Debut among Adolescents in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adolescent sexuality is an important subject of social concern because of its connection to negative outcomes like adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The timing of an adolescent’s first sexual intercourse is thus a key variable affecting those negative outcomes. This study thought to determine the prevalence and predictors of early sexual debut among never-married adolescents in Ogbomoso, South-Western Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out between January and March 2016. Data was collected from a total of 447 never-married adolescents between 16 and 19 years using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 20. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: About a quarter (26.80%) of the adolescents were sexually active with mean age at sexual debut of 15.80 in girls and 15.40 years in boys. An average of 18.60% had experienced sexual debut before their 15th birthday, 16.60 % in boys, and 20.20% in girls. Polygamous family setting, peer sex education, alcohol use, and poor reproductive health knowledge were predictors of early sexual debut. Conclusion: The study concluded that early initiation of sexual debut is high among study participants that have initiated sex. Religiosity and good social behavior were found to be protective against early sexual debut. Therefore, there is the need to ensure effective programmes that will built upon the understanding of those factors associated with an increased likelihood of an early sexual debut.