1. Home
  2. Vol 17, No 4 (2013)
  3. Odimegwu

Do Family Structure and Poverty Affect Sexual Risk Behaviors of Undergraduate Students in Nigeria?

Clifford Odimegwu(1), Sunday A. Adedini(2),


(1) Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
(2) Demography and Social Statistics Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study examined sexual practices in a Nigerian University community with a view to understanding the role of family structure and poverty on risky sexual behaviours. A representative sample of 1,301 undergraduate students was randomly selected from the various faculties that made up the University. Using a questionnaire instrument, information was obtained on sexual behaviours of interest such as sexual initiation, multi-partnered sexual activity and condom use. Findings showed a noticeable variation in the relationship between family structure and risky sexual behaviour. Contrary to expectations, students from single parent homes showed lower likelihood of having multiple sexual partners. Also poverty was found not to be a critical determinant of risky sexual behaviour. Given the unclear nature of the findings, future study should explore further understanding of the relationship between family characteristics, poverty rating and risky sexual behaviour among students. (Afr J Reprod Health 2013; 17[4]: 137-149).

References


NACA. GLOBAL AIDS RESPONSE, Country Progress Report, Nigeria, 2012: National Agency for the Control of AIDS;2012.

NACA. Factsheet 2011: Update on the HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Response in Nigeria2011.

Oladepo O. HIV/AIDS in Nigerian Universities, Open Communication. 2002.

Merchan-Hamann E, Ekstrand M, Hudes ES, Hearst N. Prevalence and correlates of HIV-related risk behaviors among adolescents in Public Schools in Brasilia. AIDS and Behavior. 2002;6(3):283-293.

Bakken RJ, Winter M. Family characertistcis and sexual risk behaviors among Black men in the United States. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2002;5(5):252-258.

Magnani R, Seiber E, Gutierrez EZ, Vereau D. Correlates of Sexual Activitty and Condom use among secondary school students in Urban Peru”, Washington DC: Focus on Young Adults, Pathfinder International1999.

Odimegwu CO, Solanke LB, Adedokun A. Parental characteristics and adolescent sexual behaviour in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. Afr J Reprod Health. Apr 2002;6(1):95-106.

Leigh G, Wedalle K, Loewen I. Analysis of the timing of transition to sexual intercourse for black adolescent families. Journal of Adolescent Research. 1988;3(4):333 – 334.

Scott-James D, White A. Correlates of sexual activity in early adolescence. Journal of Early Adolescence. 1998;1(2):221-238.

Miller B, Sneesby K. Educational correlates of adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behavior. Youth and Adolescence. 1988;17(6):521-530.

Devine D, Long P, R F. A prospective study of adolescent sexual activity: description, correlates and predictors. Advanced Behavioral Research and Therapy. 1993;15(3):185-209.

Kiernan K, Hobcraft J. Parental divorce during childhood; age at first intercourse, partnership and parenthood. Population Studies. 1997;51(4):41-55.

Makinwa-Adebusoye P. Adolescent reproductive behavior: a study of 5 cities in Nigeria, NISER Monograph, Ibadan, Nigeria, Vol 101995:1-25.

Amazigo U, Silva N, Kaufman J, Obikezie DS. Sexual activity and contraceptive knowledge and use among in-school adolescents in Nigeria International Family Planning Perspectives. 1997;23:28-33.

Alubo O. The challenges of adolescent sexuality and reproductive health in Nigeria, Research Report No. 166: Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA;2000.

Adams H, Marshall A. Off target messages: poverty, risk and sexual rights. Agenda. 1998;39:87-92.

Whitbeck LB, Conger RD, Kao M-y. The Influence of Parental Support, Depressed Affect, and Peers on the Sexual Behaviors of Adolescent Girls. Journal of Family Issues. June 1, 1993 1993;14(2):261-278.

Hogan DP, Kitagawa EM. The impact of social status, family structure and neighborhood on the fertility of black adolescents. American Journal of Sociology. 1985;90:825-855.

Nichols D, Ladipo OA, Paxman J, Otolorin EO. Sexual Behavior, Contraceptive Practice and Reproductive Health among Nigerian adolescents. Studies in Family Planning. 1986;17:100-106.

Odimegwu CO, Okemgbo CN, Bamisile O. Parental knowledge, attitudes and practice of family life education in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences. 2000;5(1):1-9.

NPC, ORC Macro. Nigeria 1999 Demographic and Health Survey2000.

NPC, ORC Macro. Nigeria 2003 Demographic and Health Survey. 2004.

FOS/IRD. Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys 1990. Columbia, MD, USA1992.

Barker GK, Rich S. Influence on adolescent sexuality in Nigeria and Kenya: Findings from recent Focus Group Discussions. Studies in Family Planning. 1992;23:199-209.

Feyisetan B, Pebley AR. Premarital Sexuality in Urban Nigeria. Studies in Family Planning. 1989;20(343-354).

Ozumba BC, Amaechi FN. Awareness and practice of contraception among female students at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria. Public Health. 1992;106:457-463.

Makinwa-Adebusoye P. Sexual behavior, reproductive knowledge and contraceptive use among young urban Nigerians. International Family Planning Perspectives. 1992;18(2):66-70.

Imaledo JA, Peter-Kio OB, Asuquo EO. Pattern of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among undergraduate students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2012;12:97.

Rwenge M. Sexual risk behaviors among young people in Bamenda, Cameroun. International Family Planning Perspectives. 2000;26(3):118-123 & 130.


Full Text: PDF

Article Metrics

Abstract View : 233 times
PDF Download : 92 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.