Promoting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent females in Ijebu-Ode, southwest, Nigeria: a study of sexual risk-taking.

Abstract

Sexual risk-taking among adolescents, leads to several negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study assessed sexual risk behaviours and associated factors among in-school adolescent females in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 131 female adolescents selected via multi-stage sampling from senior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, southwest Nigeria. Data was collected using a validated, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 17.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, with p set at <0.05. Participation was fully voluntary. The mean age of respondents was 16±1.3 years. Thirty-eight (14.5%) of respondents were sexually exposed with the mean age of sexual debut being 13.4±2.8 years. Participants with sexual exposure reported vaginal sex (89.5%), digital sex (36.8%) and oral sex (5.3%). A total of 42.1% had multiple sexual partners, 47.4% used condoms during sex. Only 13% of the respondents were engaged in sexual risk-taking. Factors associated with sexual risk-taking include: age, type of school, father being alive, having a boyfriend, age of boyfriend, low self-esteem and a history of non-consensual sex. Sexually-active adolescents engaged in risky sexual behaviours. Comprehensive sexuality education, behaviour change communication and adolescent-friendly services will adequately address the situation.