Risky sexual behaviour among students of a Nigerian tertiary institution

Abstract

Background: While initiation of sexual activity is a part of a normal behaviour and development, it may also be associated with negative outcomes when sexual activity is initiated at too early an age, or without due attention to involved risks. These riskybehaviours expose to different kinds of sexuality and reproductive health problems like STIs, HIV, unwanted and unplanned pregnancy, abortion and psychological distress.Objectives: to assess sexual risk behaviours among medical students of University of Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of sexual risk behavior of the tertiary institution students.Results: a statistical significance existed between certain socio-demographic characteristics and sexual intercourse; these characteristics are age, level of study and place of residence (p <0.05). Major reasons for sexual abstinence include ‘against my faith’,66(37.9%), ‘waiting till marriage’, 56(32.2%), ‘not emotionally ready’, 54(31.0%) and fear of pregnancy, 10(5.7%).Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour exist among the respondents though with varying patterns.