Risky Sexual Behaviours among Adolescents in Owerri Municipal: Predictors of Unmet Family Health Needs

Abstract

This study examined the risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) of adolescents in Owerri Municipal in Imo State. Adopting the descriptive Survey research design, a stratified sampling technique was used to enroll 1008 adolescents aged 10 – 19 from 4 secondary schools into the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Result shown that majority of the adolescent (47.4%) have had sex and many have engaged in one form of RSBs or another. Peer group seem to be major source of the sexuality information (55.6%) and influencing factor (52.3%) .Significant association was found to exist between adolescents RSBs and age at first sexual experience or adolescent perception of parental rearing pattern (p<. 05). The study challenged the stake holders involved in the inculcation of values, curriculum design or policy formulation to provide appropriate, time sensitive and scientifically sound sexuality information for adolescents (Afr J Reprod Health 2009; 13[1]:135-145).