Factors and Consequences Associated with Risky Sexual Behaviours among Secondary School Students in Gwagwalada

Abstract

The burden of risky sexual behaviors among secondary school students is substantial and has attracted growing
international recognition. Unfortunately, adolescents and young adults may underrate the harmful effect of their actions and the unhealthy lifestyles. Risky sexual behaviors remain a major health challenge all over the world, therefore, there is pressing need to identify factors and consequences that contribute to these risky practices. This study aims to determine the knowledge, practice, factors and consequences associated with the practice of risky sexual behaviours among secondary school students in Gwagwalada. Cross-sectional design, a multistage sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire based-survey were utilized. A minimum sample size of 300 (including 10% added for non-response) was arrived at using the prevalence study formula. The results showed that majority of the respondents were 15 years with frequency of 60 (20.0%). There was a fair gender distribution of the respondents interviewed, comprising 53.3% male. There was good knowledge of risky sexual behaviours with a frequency of 199(66.3%). The prevalence of risky sexual behaviours among the students was 13.7%. The most commonly practiced RSB was engaging in unprotected sex with a single partner (70%). The main age of sexual debut was 15 years (24.4%). Majority of the respondents agreed that peer pressure 3.0% was the main factors that lead to the practice of risky sexual behaviours. This study derived that the main consequences associated with risky sexual behaviours practices is lack of concentration in class and loss of interest in studying 35 (11.7%). In conclusion, the results revealed that there’s need to educate the adolescent on risky sexual behaviors and measures should be taken to curb the increase of RSB in our environment.