Prevalence and Knowledge about Cross-Generational Sexual Relationships among Undergraduates in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Abstract Background Cross-generational sexual relationships keep exposing more young persons to sexually transmitted infections, psychosocial and emotional trauma and various forms of abuses and has been linked with more cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection within the sub-Saharan Africa region; hence, the need to assess the knowledge and prevalence of cross-generational sexual relationships among undergraduates of a Nigerian institution. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey which involved the use of a four-stage sampling technique to select 390 undergraduates across the 13 faculties of the institution. Data were collected using tested, semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Product of Service Solution version 23. Results The mean age of the participants was 21.44 ± 2.62 years. The study showed that the prevalence of cross-generational sexual relationships was 13%, 51.80% of respondents had fair knowledge while.68.1% of respondents practising cross-generational sexual relationships were unwilling to quit. Poor family structure and monthly pocket money adversely affects the prevalence of cross-generational sexual relationships among the study population. There was no statistical significance between socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence about cross-generational sexual relationships among the respondents. Conclusion This study identified a significant prevalence and fair knowledge about cross-generational sexual relationships among undergraduate students, a trend mostly influenced by poor family structure, poor monthly pocket money and peer pressure. An extensive orientation and continuous education against the practice of cross-generational sexual relationships is recommended so as to prevent further worsening cross-generational sexual relationships prevalence among young persons, especially in tertiary institutions.