Risky sexual behavior of young people in an urban community, South – South, Nig

Abstract

Background Risky sexual behaviours exposes young people to the risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexual behaviours like unprotected sex, early sexual debut, using alcohol or drugs before sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, sexual intercourse for reward, non‐use of condom, patronage of commercial sex workers increases the vulnerability of this age group. Objective To determine risky sexual behaviour and factors affecting risky sexual behaviour among young people in Oluku Community, Ovia North East, Local Government, Edo State, South South, Nigeria. Methods The study utilized a descriptive cross‐sectional study design. Study was done between January and June, 2013 using multi‐ stage sampling method. Results A total of 400 respondents participated in this study, participants engaged in behaviours like alcohol before sex (33.0%), night parties (44.3%), smoking cigarette (16.0%) and hawking food (6.7%). Over a third, 75 (38.7%) of respondents only knew their sex partner within 1 week before having sexual relations with them, while 33 (17%) knew them for a day, 17 (8.8%) had had sex for reward, 65 (33.5%) did not use a condom in their last sexual encounter and 68 (35.1%) had visited commercial sex workers. Common reasons for sex were peer pressure 96 (49.5%), sex for fun 45(23.2%) and finance 29(14.9%). Conclusion and Recommendations The government should regulate of activities and possible prohibition of brothels and transactional sex workers in communities to avoid patronage by young persons. Young people should be trained on negotiating skills, abstinence, correct and consistent use of condom and faithfulness to one partner. Parental support in young person’s sexual and reproductive health issues via encouraging the young people to avoid sexual risky behaviors. Keywords: