Risky sexual behaviors among undergraduates of Pamo University of Medical Sciences: Exploring contributory factors and outcomes

Abstract

Undergraduates experience overwhelming changes and challenges that expose them to risky sexual behaviors, an act that leads to physical, psychosocial harm and its predictors contribute to lost lecture hours among campus students; hence this study aims at exploring contributory factors and outcomes of risky sexual behaviors among Nursing and Medicine students in PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria. Descriptive survey was conducted in 2019 and 280 students in their first and second year of study from the participating Departments were selected from study population of 491 using Yaro Yamanes sample size formula. Proportionate sampling technique followed by simple randomization was done. Ethical approval and consent were obtained while confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. WHO-adapted questionnaire was administered to respondents with the help of a research assistant. Data was collected using a 3-point Likert statistically-validated questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.8, analyzed and computed on Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. Mean values below 2.0 were judged insignificant. Findings shows that Ignorance (x¯=2.81), lack of sex education (x¯=2.79), were among the factors that significantly influenced participant’s risky sexual behavior, however, reduced fun associated with use of condom (x¯=1.99) and equivalent of unprotected sex with trust (x¯=1.97) had insignificant impact. Interestingly, participants expressed similar outcomes of risky sexual behavior recording- sexually transmitted infection (x¯=2.80), pregnancy (x¯=2.76) abortion (x¯=2.71), out of School due to non-support by family (x¯=2.65); among others. Finally, risky sexual behavior among undergraduates affects the academic pursuit and there is need to continue reproductive health education if Sustainable Development Goals five and six will be achieved.