Risky Sexual Behaviours among Youths in Selected Communities in Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Youths are referred to as people of age group 15 to 24 years, and with significant physiological, psychological and social changes that place their lives at high risk. Risky sexual behaviour is the act of indulging in unprotected sexual intercourse through oral, anal and virginal sex, having multiple sexual partners, high risk and same sex partners. The aim of the study was to determine the risky sexual behaviour among youths in selected communities in Obio-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among youths, 15–24 years in selected communities in Obi-Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. The sample size of 317 participants was recruited for this study. A multistage sampling method was used to select participants from Alakahia, Choba and Aluu communities. Inclusion criteria were males and females aged between 15 and 24 years, and must have lived in these Local Governments Areas for at least one year. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. A descriptive analysis, chi-square test were performed, and regression analysis was performed to establish the strength of association between the predictors and the variables, statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Ethical clearance for the study was sought and obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria and informed consent was obtained from the participants.

Results: A total of 317 participants took part in this study, 59.3% females and 40.7% males. The result revealed 54.3% of participants aged 20 to 24 years. It indicated 77.6% engaged in RSB while 22.4% were not engaged in risky sexual behaviour. There was a significant associated between being pregnant and RSB with (p=0.008), and 83.3% of respondents who were pregnant had had abortion. Mean age of 68.8% of the respondents at coitarche was16.59±48. It showed a significant association between consumption of tobacco (p=0.000), being drunk (p=0.047), going to night clubs, visiting pornographic sites, watching pornographic videos and RSB.

Conclusion: This study concluded that RSB were; consumption of tobacco, alcohol intake, use of drug or substance before sexual intercourse, going to night clubs, visiting and watching pornographic sites and videos. The Government and community heads in Nigeria should make strict policies on consumption of tobacco, drugs and substance use, visiting pornographic sites and watching pornographic videos as this will help to reduce the negative influence on youths’ sexuality.