Aspects of Home Environment and Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in Southwestern Nigeria
Reproductive Health
20
Issue: 1
(04 - 2005)
This study examines adolescent sexual behaviour within the context of the home environment
(urban low, medium and high residential density) in which the yougsters live. Spatial variations
in five variables measuring sexual behaviour: first sex experience, age of first sex, identity of
sexual partner, use of family planning (FP) and number of sexual partner were analysed with
ANOVA. The data obtained from a survey of 1670 adolescents in two pre-colonial cities in South
Western Nigeria reveals that pre-marital sexual relations among urban adolescents is not only
becoming a near universal phenomenon, but also the mean age of first sexual encounter is
declining. Of great concern is the identity of sexual partners, which now includes commercial sex
hawkers. Also noteworthy is the high level of sexual activity with about 3 out of every 4
adolescents having sex with more than one partner in the last six months of the study. These
practices are most prominent in the high density home environment. Against the background of
observed widespread non-use of FP, the findings of this study raise concern about the public health
importance of STIs, and the fact that conventional STIs facilitate the acquisition and transmission
of HIV. The need to focus more policy and programme attention on adolescent sexuality behaviour
is compelling.
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