Attitudes of secondary school adolescents towards premarital sexual activity and associated factors in Fako, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Adolescents continue to engage in risky sexual behaviours. These behaviours can be influenced by their attitude regarding premarital sexual activity. Aim: This paper aimed to assess attitude of secondary school adolescents towards premarital sexual activity and the associated factors in Fako, Cameroon. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1180 adolescents in secondary schools in Fako, Cameroon. A questionnaire was administered to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding sexual and reproductive health. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used to identify factors associated with their attitude toward premarital sexual activities. p value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval indicated statistical significance. Results: More than half (54.6%) of the adolescent students had more liberal attitudes regarding premarital sexual activity. Being male (AOR= 1.931, 95% CI= 1.400, 2.663), discussing sexuality-related information with family (AOR=1.423, 95% CI=1.034-1.958), and using the internet to obtain sexuality-related information (AOR= 1.397, 95% CI: 1.023-1.397) were associated with more liberal attitudes towards premarital sexual activities. Younger adolescents had less liberal attitudes (AOR=0.541, 95% CI= 0.361-0.810). Conclusion: More liberal attitudes towards premarital sexual activity was reported among adolescents hence stakeholders concerned with adolescent reproductive and sexual health should design strategies, including internet-based interventions that address any negative attitudes about sexuality among adolescents.