Scanty dressing habit and sexual comportment among adolescent girls in metropolitan Lagos: implications for HIV/AIDS incidence

Abstract

The sanctity of proper dressing in sub-Saharan Africa was always adhered to few years back, not until recently when relaxation on dressing habit crept in and is now completely being overturned and conspicuously replaced by obscene habit of half nakedness and nudity. The study examined the effects of the acquiescent of Nigerian society towards the preponderance of scanty dressing, pornography (and the like) on adolescents‟ sexual behavior and its probable effects on the incidence of HIV/AIDS. 283 adolescents in age group 10-19 years were interviewed in Lagos State of Nigeria. The study revealed that there is a negative relationship between girls‟ dressing habit and level of sexual comportment. It revealed that those that are scantily dressed are vulnerable to sexual acts and are likely to be more exposed to HIV/AIDS than otherwise. 73.1percent of respondents considered communication on sexuality with their parents as very poor. About 88.3 percent respondents wear “see-through”, transparent trouser/pants, “hips stands” dresses outside their homestead and the motives range from “want to be noticed by big boys”, “dress to thrill” to “sex for cash”. 62.2 percent have experienced sexual intercourse and 51.9% out of this magnitude have had it within the last three month of the survey. Two-third do not use condom during intercourse while several do not have stable sexual partners. Indulgence in scanty dressing could be curtailed by the provision of adequate sexuality education and respect for Nigerian value of dressing. Responsible sexual comportment is possible by embracing modest dressing lifestyles among others.

Key Words: Scanty dressing, adolescent, aristo, HIV/AIDS, STDs, sexuality, nudity, girl-boy friend.