Partner Selection Contribution to Risky Sexual Behaviour among Youths Currently Attending Nysc Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State

Abstract

Background: Sexual-Risk behaviours contribute to the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and social problems among youths. Although there are many studies conducted on this subject, the predictors of sexual risk behaviours among youths have not been well explored. This study was, therefore, designed to contribute to existing knowledge and enhance the development of strategies that will positively influence the perception and attitude of youths regarding sexual health risk-related matters.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design using simple random sampling methods was conducted among randomly selected 416 of National Youth Service Corps (21-30 years) using data collected via a pre-tested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire, which measured the following variables: socio-demographic information, sexual history, partner characteristics and selection, and sexual activities. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis which was presented in tables and frequencies, Chi-square analysis which was carried out to test the strength and significance of the association between the independent and dependent variables and logistic regression was also used to examine the strength and likelihood of risky sexual behaviours with selected partner characteristics

Results

This study shows the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The respondents’ age ranges between 21 and 30 years with a mean of 25.52 years and a Standard deviation of 2.36 years. 68% of the respondents referred meeting a sexual partner through a friend, parents or a known human source, 61.1% preferred social gatherings while 50.5% preferred meeting via social networks. 66.8% of the respondents preferred meeting their partners at their residences, 59.4% preferred private places (including hotels) while very few 29.8% chose public places as a meeting place with their partners. Also, this study revealed that 48.8% of the respondents first knew about sex from their friends than from schools 37.5% and their parents 13.2%. This study also revealed that males are 4.422 times more likely to have casual sex with a partner to who their parents consented than with one with who they do not, alcohol use is partially significant with having casual sex, while education is a constant in having casual sex. The odds of males having casual sex with a fat partner than a slimmer partner is 0.207(OR = 0.270, CL 0.044 – 0.971)

Conclusion: The dearth of information available to youths about sexual health and the dangers associated with risky sexual behaviours can be held responsible for increased levels of participation in sexual-risk behaviours among youth corpers. There is a need for a concerted effort of all to promote healthy behaviour, via Youth-centred programs and youth-targeted behavioural change interventions.