Premarital Sex, Safer Sex and Factors Influencing Premarital Sex Practices Among Senior Secondary School Students in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Premarital sex or penetrative sex before marriage has consequences on adolescents because youths who begin sexual activity earlier appear more likely to have sex with high-risk partners, multiple partners and are less likely to use condoms, while safer sex is sexual activity engaged in by people who have taken precautions to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of premarital sex, knowledge and practice of safer sex and reasons for practicing premarital sex among senior secondary school students in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Materials and methods:Cross sectional study involving 398 secondary school students selected by multi stage sampling method.A pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results: Among 392 respondents, 154 (39.3%) were males and 238 (60.7%) were females. Mean age and standard deviation was 17.1±1.6. One hundred and eight (27.6%) of the respondents engaged in premarital sex; males 58 (37.7%) more than the females 50 (21.0%). One hundred and seventy two (43.9%) were aware of safer sex of which 98 (57.0%) had correct knowledge of it. Factors influencing premarital sex among them were exposure to eroticism 27 (32.4%), sexual desire 63 (16.0%), peer pressure 58 (14.8%), etc. Conclusion:Premarital sex was practiced among the students yet few of them knew and practiced safer sex. Males were significantly more likely to engage in premarital sex than females in the adolescent period. The most prevalent reason why they practiced premarital sex was exposure to eroticism through television, magazines and the internet.

Premarital sexual practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This is because the effect of culture forces females to be exposed towards premarital sex than their male counterparts and most girls have a belief that they become ready to do anything to make their love succeed [17]. In contrast to the report from this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies from Nepal and Vietnam showed male were more likely to be involved in premarital sex than female [4,6,54], because mostly men have freedom to decide on major tasks in their life.…”

“…Globally, large number of adolescents engage in premarital sexual practice [2,3]. As they are so young and less likely to use condom, unprotected or unsafe sexual practice is high [4,5]. Among youths who practiced premarital sexual practice, only very few numbers were continued as husband later on, while majority had sex with love even end up with prostitute [6].…”

Premarital sexual practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This is because the effect of culture forces females to be exposed towards premarital sex than their male counterparts and most girls have a belief that they become ready to do anything to make their love succeed [17]. In contrast to the report from this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies from Nepal and Vietnam showed male were more likely to be involved in premarital sex than female [4,6,54], because mostly men have freedom to decide on major tasks in their life.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Risk and Preventive Behaviors toward Premarital Sexual Practice among In-School Adolescents

“…This was a school-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the Mueang District (Municipality District) of Phitsanulok Province between April and May 2019. Initially, a total of six (6) vocational schools were identified and clustered (those within vs. outside the Municipality District of the Province). Both clusters ended up with three schools each.…”