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, SouthWestern 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.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Early Sexual Debut among Preparatory School Students in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia 2018

“…This nding is similar with studies conducted in Nigeria(18.6%) [4], Woldiya Town (18.4%) [9], Shire-Endassilassie town(19.0%) [10], and FagetaLekoma district of Awi zone(20.4%) [11]. However, this nding is higher than the results of studies conducted in Malaysia (9.8%) [3], and Ido-ekiti, South-west Nigeria(11.0%) [5].…”

“…The odds of early sexual debut was two times more experienced among participants who did not get lesson on sexuality education as compared to those who did. This nding is supported by a study conducted in Ogbomosa, Nigeria [4]. The possible explanation is that had lesson on sexuality education is a protective factor for early sexual debut, since many sexuality education programs include it.…”

“…The odds of early sexual debut is fourteen times more experienced among participants who had history of drinking alcohol as compared to those who had not. This nding is supported by studies conducted in Ido-ekiti, South west Nigeria [5], a study conducted among eight African countries [7], and Ogbomoso, Nigeria [4]. The possible justi cation is usually drinking alcohol is one of the risky behaviors that lead young people to be engaged in risky sexual practices including early sexual debut.…”

“…Studies conducted in different parts of the world showed the prevalence of early sexual debut being 9.8% in Malaysia [3], 18.6% in Ogbomoso, Nigeria [4], 11% in Ido-ekiti, South-West Nigeria [5], 36% among males and 16% among females in Nyaza, Kenya [6], and 27.3% in a study conducted among eight African Countries [7].…”

“…Attending religious programs [4,9], peer pressure [9,11], exposure to pornographic materials [9,10,12] parental residence (being urban) [13], sex(being female) [14], cigarette smoking [15], do not have comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS [16], and feel they know enough about sexuality [17] were the main factors identi ed to have signi cant association with early sexual debut in the previous studies.…”