Prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among undergraduates at the Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Young adults, including those in universities, are at higher risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviours due to several factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of knowledge, which predisposes them to consequences like unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections etc. This study assessed the knowledge, Prevalence of Risky Sexual Behaviour and its Associated Factors among Undergraduates at the Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 400 undergraduates of Osun State University Osogbo, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used for participant selection. Data were collected through pretested interviewer-administered online questionnaires and analysed with IBM SPSS version 25.0. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out and the p-value was set at p < 0.05. The majority of the respondents (87.8%) have good knowledge of Risky Sexual Behaviour (RSB). Out of 32.0% who have had sex before, 63.3% were sexually active in the last six months and 82.0% have engaged in RSB. Factors associated with RSB include curiosity, love for, and lack of safer sex negotiation with partners, forceful unprotected sex, alcohol or drug influence, social media-modified temptation, financial circumstances and peer influence. The findings revealed a high prevalence of RSB but good knowledge, education and enlightenment targeting the sexuality practices is recommended.