Background: The sexual
health indices of the adolescents are very poor. This study ascertained the
factors influencing the sexual behaviour among female adolescents in Onitsha,
Anambra state, Nigeria. Method: This was a cross sectional design in which a
total of 800 female adolescents were selected from secondary schools in the
area using multistage sampling method; and also selected from a major market
(for those who were not at school) in the same geographical area using cluster
sampling technique. Data were collected from the respondents about
socio-demographic profile, reproductive and sexual health knowledge, attitude,
behavior, sources of sexual health information. Result: The highest proportion
of students who had ever had sex was found among the 16 - 17 years age group
while the modal age group was 18 - 19 years for non students. Also “not living
with both parents” and poor family background, were markedly associated with
increased likelihood to engage in sexual activity. Poverty level was
particularly high among the non-student adolescents. Furthermore, wrong
knowledge of fertile period, low risk perception of HIV and premarital, and use
of condoms among the respondents were all significantly associated with increased
chance to engage in sex. The student adolescents got sexuality information
mainly fromthe teachers; as
opposed to their non-student counterparts who had youth organization and
friendsas main sources.
Conclusion: Family values, poverty alleviation, change of attitude through appropriate
health and sexuality education especially targeting the non-student adolescents
are highly recommended. Sexual negotiation skill, accessible formal education
for all should be encouraged to create the right sexual behavior among the
adolescent girls.
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