Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Premarital Sex among Adolescent Students in Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Department of Nursing Science University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

*Enuku, C. A., Olaide, R. K and Edo-Osagie, C. C

Corresponding Author: christie.enuku@uniben.edu

Recieved Date: December, 2020; Accepted Date: December, 2020; Published Date: December, 2020

ABSTRACT

Background: Premarital sex activities among adolescents is on the increase worldwide. This makes adolescents vulnerable to reproductive diseases such as sexually transmitted infectious including HIV/AIDs, unwanted pregnancy, and abortion. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of premarital sex among adolescent students in Uselu Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 154 adolescent secondary school students. Data was analyzed and presented in frequency, pie-chart, and percentages. Results: Findings showed that 15(9.7%) have poor knowledge, 79(51.3%) have fair knowledge while 60(39.0%) have good knowledge of premarital sex, a majority 86(55.8%) of the adolescents had positive attitude toward premarital sex while 65(44.2%) had negative attitude. Majority 118 (76.6%) are not sexually active while 7(19.4%) have had sexual intercourse. Factors that influence attitude towards premarital sex include family background, sex education, curiosity, peer group influence, financial gratification, and exposure to pornographic content. Conclusion: The researchers concluded that majority of adolescent students have fair knowledge, positive attitude, and low practice of premarital sex. Sex education should be encouraged at home, schools, by religious bodies and non-governmental organizations, to equip the students with adequate information and skills on premarital sex, sexuality and its consequences.