Perception, interpretation, and implication of non-penile vaginal sex among young adults in tertiary institutions in Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

Young adults in tertiary institutions engage in different sexual behaviours including penetrative and non-penetrative sex. This study
explored young adults’ perceptions, interpretations and implications for engaging in non-penile-vaginal sex (NPVS) in tertiary
institutions of Plateau state, in the north-central Zone. An exploratory qualitative research approach was adopted. Eight (8) focus
group discussions (FGDs) of singles and married males and females were conducted with seventy-nine (n=79) participants aged
18 – 30 years). Audio files were transcribed, coded, and managed using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was applied to
present themes and a description of key findings. Four (4) themes emerged. All groups acknowledged sexual satisfaction and
improved intimacy as benefits of NPVS. The sexual orientation of people who partake in NPVS are often misinterpreted. Young
adults involved in NPVS face rejection and stigmatization. Lastly, the sexual orientation misinterpretation, rejection and stigma of
those who engage in NPVS is likely to be a result of the general believe that Nigeria is conservative in sociocultural values and
expression. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [1]: 75-83).