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ISSN: 2471-9846
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Research Article OMICS International

Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in

Anambra State, Nigeria
Jane Obiageli Anene1, Ezenduka Pauline Ojinaka2 and Elkenah Chubike Ndie3*
1
Department of Health, Anambra State Local Government Service commission, Awke Anambra State, Nigeria
2
Department of Nursing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus Anambra State, Nigeria
3
Department of Nursing Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and variables influencing pre-marital sex among secondary
school adolescents in Anambra State of Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among secondary
school adolescents in Anambra State. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire.
Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection in the study
was the Secondary School Student Sex Variables Questionnaire (SSSVQ) which was constructed by the researcher.
A total of 955 respondents were surveyed. More than half of the respondents (54.8%) are aged between 14 and 17
years of age. The prevalence of pre-marital sex among the respondents was 66.6%. Among the 636 respondents who
have had pre-marital sex, 500 (78.6%) were males, while 136 (21.4%) were females (X2=0.010, df=1, p=0.010). It was
concluded that that the incidence of pre-marital sex among secondary school adolescents is high. It was recommended
that Nurses who are in charge of school health clinics should counsel the adolescents on the dangers of pre-marital sex
and also provide them with skills to be able to take the right decisions and parents and guardians should re-examine
and sharpen their parenting skills with a view to instilling the desired strong moral and disciplinary attitudes in the youths.

Keywords: Variables; Pre-marital sex; Adolescence; Secondary and the capacity for abstract reasoning. While adolescence is a time
schools of tremendous growth and potential, it is also a time of considerable
risk during which social contexts exert powerful influences. Many
Introduction adolescents face pressures to use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs and
Adolescence has been defined by several authorities in to initiate sexual relationships at earlier ages, putting themselves at high
risk for intentional and unintentional injuries, unintended pregnancies
several ways. Wikipedia [1] the online dictionary explains that
and infection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the
Adolescence  (from  Latin  adolescere, meaning “to grow up”)  is a
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many also experience a wide
transitional stage of physical and psychological human development that
range of adjustment and mental health problems. Behaviour patterns
generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood (age
that are established during this process, such as drug use or non-use
of majority). It further explains that the period of adolescence is most
and sexual risk taking or protection, can have long-lasting positive and
closely associated with the teenage, though its physical, psychological and
negative effects on future health and well-being. As a result, during this
cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later. Adolescence can be
process, adults have unique opportunities to influence young people.
considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood [2]. It can
be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period Premarital sex  is  sexual activity  practiced by people who
can bring up issues of independence and self-identity; many adolescents are unmarried [4]. Historically, premarital sex was considered a moral
and their peers face tough choices regarding schoolwork,  sexuality, issue which was taboo in many cultures and considered a sin by a
drugs, alcohol and  social life. Peer groups, romantic interests and number of religions, but since about the 1960s, it has become more
external appearance tend to naturally increase in importance for widely accepted, especially in Western countries. The terms premarital
some time during a teen’s journey toward adulthood. According to sex have been suggested, including  non-marital sex  (which overlaps
the World Health Organisation (WHO), adolescence is the period with  adultery),  youthful sex,  adolescent sex and  young-adult sex. In
in human growth and development that occurs after childhood and some cultures, for example in many modern-day Western cultures,
before adulthood, from ages 10 to19 [3]. It represents one of the critical many people do not hold value in sexual abstinence before marriage. In
transitions in the life span and is characterized by a tremendous pace a study conducted in the United States, 61% of men and 12% of women
in growth and change that is second only to that of infancy. Biological born prior to 1910 admitted to having premarital sex; the  gender
processes drive many aspects of this growth and development, with the
onset of puberty marking the passage from childhood to adolescence.
The biological determinants of adolescence are fairly universal; however, *Corresponding author: Elkenah Chubike Ndie, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Eb-
the duration and defining characteristics of this period may vary across onyi State University, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria, Tel: 2347066789961; E-mail:
time, cultures and socioeconomic situations. This period has seen many chubike05@yahoo.com
changes over the past century namely the earlier onset of puberty, later Received August 22, 2017; Accepted September 04, 2017; Published September
age of marriage, urbanization, global communication and changing 11, 2017
sexual attitudes and behaviours. Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital
Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. J Comm Pub
The process of adolescence is a period of preparation for adulthood
Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194
during which time several key developmental experiences occur. Besides
physical and sexual maturation, these experiences include movement Copyright: © 2017 Anene JO, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
toward social and economic independence and development of identity, use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and
the acquisition of skills needed to carry out adult relationships and roles source are credited.

J Comm Pub Health Nursing, an open access journal

ISSN: 2471-9846 Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000194
Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State,
Nigeria. J Comm Pub Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194

Page 2 of 6

disparity may have been caused by cultural double standards regarding Anambra. There are all together 428 secondary schools in the State.
the admission of sexual activity or by men frequenting prostitutes The estimated population of students in all the schools based on the
[4]. According to a 2001  UNICEF  survey, in 10 out of 12 developed Ministry of Education records (2012) was 226, 106. These 226, 106
nations with available data, more than two-thirds of young people have secondary school students formed the population for the study. The
had sexual intercourse while still in their teens. In Denmark, Finland, spread of the target population was based on education zone, location,
Germany, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, category of school, type of school and sex.
the proportion is over 80%. In Australia, the United Kingdom and the
Ethical approval was sought and obtained from Ministry of education
United States, approximately 25% of 15 year old and 50% of 17 year
Awka and permission from all the Principals of secondary school whose
old have had sex [5]. In a 2005 Kaiser Family Foundation study of US
students participated in the study. The students were also requested to give
teenagers, 29% of teens reported feeling pressure to have sex, 33% of
individual consent after explaining the nature of the study.
sexually active teens reported „being in a relationship where they felt
things were moving too fast sexually“ and 24% had „done something The study sample consisted of 955 students drawn from the study
sexual they didn’t really want to do“ [6]. population. This sample size was calculated using the Krejcie and
Morgan sample size table [12]. In the Krejcie and Morgan Sample size
Adolescence is considered to be the period between 13-19 years
table, populations of 100,000 require a minimum sample size of 384.
of age. This is the group that is mostly seen in our secondary schools,
There are 226,106 secondary students in Anambra state. So I applied the
hence the group under study. During this stage, he/she experiences
formula: 384/100,000 X 226,106=868.
not only physical growth but also other body changes, like emotional,
psychological, social, mental changes and growth [7]. The WHO The calculated minimum sample size was 868.
agreed that adolescents are seen within age groups of 10-19 years [8].
Multi staged sampling technique was used to select the sample for
According to Chauhan et al. [9] the physical attributes at this stage
the study. In the first stage, the schools were listed based on the existing
of life include noticeable growth spurt, development of reproductive
six (6) education zones in Anambra State which are Aguata, Awka,
organs, appearance of secondary sex characteristics, marked voice
Nnewi, Ogidi, Onitsha and Otuocha zones. Convenience sampling
changes, broadening shoulders and hips.
method was used to select three education zones namely Awka, Nnewi
The implications of premarital sex for both boys and girls were and Ogidi zones.
found to have serious effects. The boys are exposed to early fatherhood,
In the selected schools, students were stratified into classes and
which could imply end of academic career or vocational training,
by this process one class/stream of JSS 111 and one class/stream of SS
poverty and being encumbered with the burden of providing for
1-3 were selected from each of the single gender boys, single gender
the mother and the unplanned child. The female adolescents can
girls and co-educational secondary schools. The sample for the study
experience unplanned unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion that can
consisted of respondents made up of 152 girls from single gender
lead to infertility or even death in extreme cases, sexually transmitted
secondary school and 260 girls from co-educational secondary schools
infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections,
giving a total of 412 girls. The same principle was employed for the boys
dangers of dropping out of school, early and unplanned marriage which
and 190 were selected from single gender schools and 353 from co-
can lead to lifelong unhappiness, increased risk of pregnancy induced
educational schools giving a total of 543 boys and a grand total of 955
hypertension anaemia, obstructed labour and death [10]. The fetus is
secondary school adolescents.
prone to be delivered preterm, small for date and risk of prenatal death
among others [10,11]. The instrument used for data collection in the study was the
Secondary School Students Sex Variables Questionnaire (SSSVQ)
These adolescent secondary school students, at this period of their
which was constructed by the researcher. The instrument has two
study, are not yet knowledgeable about sex and its complications.
sections. Section A sought information from the respondents about
No information available to them from school curriculum, from
their personal background such as their class, sex, age, location,
school teachers or parents or even church leaders. The only available
religious denomination, number of children in their families and
information on sex for them is from their peers who are not well
parents’ relationships. Other attributes required in the section were;
informed. The question then remains, what is the prevalence of
age at onset of puberty. Section B contains items designed to measure
premarital sex among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State,
the respondents’ degree of involvement in premarital sex. The response
Nigeria: their reasons for involvement in premarital sex, their sources
options were as indicated in the Likert scale as follows: very high extent;
of information and knowledge of the consequences of the practice. high extent; moderate extent; little extent and very little extent. It also
The study aimed at determining the effect of some socio- covered the prevalence of pre- marital sex among adolescents. The
demographic characteristics (class of study, family size, gender, place instrument was validated by three lecturers that are specialized on test
of residence, type of school) on the students’ involvement in premarital construction.
sex. The instrument was pre-tested on 20 secondary schools adolescents
Methods (respondents) from an educational zone not included in the study but
has same characteristics set up as the area of study. In order to establish
The research design adopted in this study is the cross–sectional the reliability of the instrument, split-half method was employed. The
descriptive survey design. The area of this study is Anambra State of correlation coefficient obtained was 0.73. Spearman Brown correction
Nigeria. The State comprises of 21 LGAs, 3 senatorial zones, 6 education was applied and the correlation obtained was 0.97. Data collection was
zones and 177 communities, with the capital at Awka. The State has a generally done during school recreation to avoid interruption of school
population of about 4,055,048 people according to 2006 census with programme. On the agreed date for each school, the subjects were
405,504 as children and 1,013,762 as adolescents. The target population assembled and the researcher after introducing self-informed them of
of the study comprises of unmarried secondary school students in the purpose of the study.

J Comm Pub Health Nursing, an open access journal

ISSN: 2471-9846 Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000194
Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State,
Nigeria. J Comm Pub Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194

Page 3 of 6

Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 20 software for data demographic variables. More than half of the respondents (54.8%) are
analysis. Frequencies and percentages were determined. Appropriate aged between 14 and 17 years of age. Males constituted 56.9% of all the
tests of statistical significance such as chi square test and logistic respondents while the rest were females. Seventy five percent of the
regression were applied to test for associations. Statistical significance students attained their puberty at age group 12-14 years, while 4.7%
was set at p<0.05. attained it at >15 years of age. The SSS1 respondents made up the largest
proportion of the subjects (32.5%) while the JSS 3 class constitutes the
Results least proportion (17.4%). The urban respondents were 53.3% as opposed
Table 1 shows the distribution of subjects according to their socio- to the students in rural areas who made up 46.7% of total. Majority of
the respondents were Catholics (47.9%). This is followed by Orthodox
Variable Frequency Percentage Mean SD Protestants (35.9%), Pentecostal Protestants (10.9%) while the Muslims
Age (years) made up 5.3% of respondents. Half of the respondents (50%) have 4-7
10-13 131 13.7 14.5 2.1 children in the family, 28.3% has 1-3 siblings while 21.7% has > 8 children.
14-17 523 54.8 Whereas 55.4% of the secondary school adolescents attend public schools,
≥ 18 301 31.5 44.6% attend private schools. Also 64.2% are in mixed/co-educational
Total 955 100.0 institutions while 35.8% are in single gender institutions. Majority (78.1%)
Gender of the secondary school adolescents are products of intact marriages, the
Male 543 56.9 parents of 6.9% of respondents are separated while another 6.9% has one
Female 412 43.1 or both parents deceased. Moreover 4.6% of the students are products of
Total 955 100.0 single parenthood while 3.5% said their parents were divorced.
Age of onset of puberty (years) The Table 2 shows that among the 636 respondents who have
9-10 187 19.6 had pre-marital sex, 500 (78.6%) were males, while 136 (21.4%) were
12-14 723 75.7 females. This difference was statistically significant (X2=0.010, df=1,
≥ 15 45 4.7
p=0.010). This shows that gender has an effect on pre-marital sex.
Total 955 100.0
Class Table 3 shows the effect of class of study on pre-marital. Out of the
SS3 229 24 636 respondents that have had pre-marital sex, 200 (31.5%) were in SS3,
SS2 249 26.1 203 (31.9%) were in SS2, 170 (26.7%) were in SS1 and 63 (9.9%) were
SS1 311 32.5 in JS3. This difference was statistically significant (X2=10.500, df=3,
JS3 166 17.4 p=0.030). This shows that there was a statistically significant association
Total 955 100.0 between class of study and pre-marital sex.
Location
Table 4 shows the effect of age on pre-marital sex. Out of the 636
Urban 509 53.3
respondents that have had pre-marital sex. Out of the 636 respondents
Rural 446 46.7
that have had pre-marital sex, 350 (55.0%) were in the 14-17 years age
Total 955 100.0
bracket, 200 (31.5%) were in the ≥ 18 years age bracket and 86 (13.5%)
Religious Denomination
Catholic 457 47.9
Gender Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value
Orthodox protestant 343 35.9
Yes No Total
Pentecostal protestant 104 10.9 N (%) N (%) N (%)
Muslim 51 5.3 Male 500 (78.6) 43 (13.5) 543 (56.9) 21.256 1 0.010
Total 955 100.0 Female 136 (21.4) 276 (86.5) 412 (43.1)
Number of children in the Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0)
family
1-3 270 28.3 Table 2: Effect of gender on the prevalence of pre-marital sex.
4-7 478 50.0
Class of Study Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value
≥8 207 21.7
Yes No Total
Total 955 100.0 N (%) N (%) N (%)
Nature of school SS3 200 (31.5) 29 (9.1) 229 (24.0) 10.500 3 0.030
Private 426 44.6 SS2 203 (31.9) 46 (14.4) 249 (26.0)
Public 529 55.4 SS1 170 (27.0) 141 (44.2) 311 (32.6)
Total 955 100.0 JS3 63 (9.9) 103 (32.2) 166 (17.4)
Type of school Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0)
Single gender 342 35.8
Table 3: The effect of class of study on pre-marital sex.
Co-educational 613 64.2
Parent’s marital relationship
Age (years) Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value
Intact marriage 746 78.1
Yes No Total
Separated 66 6.9 N (%) N (%) N (%)
Divorced 33 3.5 10-13 86 (13.5) 45 (14.1) 131 (13.7) 6.020 2 0.041
One/both of them is/are dead 66 6.9 14-17 350 (55.0) 173 (54.2) 523 (54.8)
Single parenthood 44 4.6 ≥ 18 200 (31.5) 101 (31.7) 301 (31.5)
Total 955 100.0 Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0)
Table 1: Distribution of the respondents according to socio-demographic variables. Table 4: The effect of age on pre-marital sex.

J Comm Pub Health Nursing, an open access journal

ISSN: 2471-9846 Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000194
Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State,
Nigeria. J Comm Pub Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194

Page 4 of 6

were in the 10-13 years age bracket. This difference was statistically Engagement in pre-marital sex
significant (X2=6.020, df=2, p=0.040). This shows that age has an effect Variables Odds Ratio 95% Confidence Interval p-value
on pre-marital sex. Gender
Male 2.431 1.705-3.465 0.000
Table 5 shows the effect of family size on pre-marital sex. Out
Female 1.000
of the 636 respondents that have had pre-marital sex, 56 (8.8%) had
Class of Study
1-3 siblings, 400 (62.9%) had 4-7 siblings while 180 (28.3%) had ≥ 8
≥ SS2 3.257 2.385-4.450 0.000
siblings. This difference was statistically significant (X2=7.030, df=2,
≤ SS1 1.000
p=0.040). This shows that family size had an effect on pre-marital sex.
Age
Table 6 shows the effect of location on pre-marital sex. Out of ≥ 14 years 2.908 2.153-3.928 0.000
the 636 respondents that have had pre-marital sex. Out of the 636 ≤ 13 years 1.000
respondents that have had pre-marital sex, 410 (64.5%) were in the Family size
urban area, while 226 (35.5%) were in the rural area. This difference ≥ 4 children 4.139 2.945-5.817 0.010
was statistically significant (X2=9.9196, df=1, p=0.027). This shows that ≤ 3 children 1.000
location has an effect on pre-marital sex. Location
Urban 2.000 1.180-2.143 0.002
Table 7 shows the effect of type of school on pre-marital. Out of
Rural 1.000
the 636 respondents that have had pre-marital sex, 310 (48.7%) were
in private schools, while 326 (51.3%) were in public schools. This Table 9: Adjusted odds ratio for predictors of engagement in pre-marital sex.
difference was not statistically significant (X2=1.147, df=1, p=0.887).
on the prevalence of pre-marital sex. Out of the 636 respondents who
This shows that type of school had no effect on pre-marital sex.
have had pre-marital sex, 133 (20.9%) had VHE of influence on pre-
Table 8 shows the effect of the view of respondents on sex education marital sex, 130 (20.4%) reported HE, 127 (20.0%) reported ME, 126
(19.8%) reported LE, while 120 (18.9%) reported VLE. This difference
was statistically significant (X2=5.484, df=4, p=0.064). This shows that
Family size Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value the views of the respondents on the influence of sex education on pre-
Yes No Total
marital sex, had no effect on their pre-marital sex status.
N (%) N (%) N (%)
1-3 56 (8.8) 214 (67.0) 270 (28.3) 7.030 2 0.040 Table 9 shows the adjusted odds ratios for predictors of engagement
4-7 400 (62.9) 78 (24.5) 478 (50.0) in pre-marital sex. Note that adjusted odds ratios were obtained for only
≥8 180 (28.3) 27 (8.5) 207 (21.7) variables that were significant before adjustment. Hence variables that
Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0) were not represented in the adjusted odds ratios were not significant
Table 5: The effect of family size on pre-marital sex. pre-adjustment (they include “Type of school” and “The view of the
respondents on the influence of sex education on pre-marital sex”).
Location Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value
Yes No Total Table 4 shows that male respondents were twice more likely to
N (%) N (%) N (%) engage in pre-marital sex than the female respondents and this was
Urban 410 (64.5) 99 (31.0) 509 (53.3) 9.196 1 0.027 statistically significant [OR: 2.431, (95% CI: 1.705-3.465), p=0.000].
Rural 226 (35.5) 220 (690) 446 (46.7) Respondents that were in Senior Secondary 2 and above (≥ SS2) were
3 times more likely to engage in pre-marital sex than those that were
Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0)
in Senior Secondary 1 and below (≤ SS1) and this was statistically
Table 6: The effect of location (place of residence) on pre-marital sex. significant [OR: 3.257, (95% CI: 2.385-4.450), p=0.000]. Respondents
that were 14 years or older (≥ 14 years) were twice more likely to engage
Type of school Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value
in pre-marital than those that were 13 years or younger (≤ 13 years)
Yes No Total
N (%) N (%) N (%) and this was statistically significant [OR: 2.908, (CI: 2.153-3.928),
Private 310 (48.7) 116 (36.4) 426 (44.6) 1.147 1 0.887 p=0.000]. Respondents that were from families with 4 or more children
Public 326 (51.3) 203 (63.6) 529 (55.4) (≥ 4 children) were 4 times more likely than those from families with
Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0) 3 or less children (≤ 3 children) to engage in pre-marital sex and it
was statistically significant [OR: 4.139, (CI: 2.945-5.817), p=0.010].
Table 7: The effect of type of school on pre-marital sex.
Respondents who live in the urban areas were twice more likely to
View of respondents engage in pre-marital sex than respondents who live in the rural
on exposure to sex Pre-marital sex X2 Df p-value areas [OR: 2.000, (CI: 1.180-2.143) p=0.002]. Respondents who had
education “medium extent exposure to mass media or more” (≥ ME) were 3 times
Yes No Total more likely to engage in pre-marital sex than those who had “low extent
N (%) N (%) N (%)
exposure to mass media or less” (≤ LE) [OR: 3.153, (CI: 2.270-4.380).
VHE 133 (20.9) 110 (34.5) 243 (25.4) 5.484 4 0.064
HE 130 (20.4) 28 (8.8) 158 (16.5)
Respondents who had “medium extent exposure to peer pressure or
ME 127 (20.0) 30 (9.4) 157 (16.4)
more” (≥ ME) were twice more likely to engage in pre-marital sex than
LE 126 (19.8) 58 (18.2) 184 (19.3)
those who had “low extent exposure or less” (≤ LE) [OR: 2.240, (CI:
VLE 120 (18.9) 93 (29.1) 213 (22.3)
1.601-3.134), p=0.030].
Total 636 (100.0) 319 (100.0) 955 (100.0)
Discussion
Table 8: Effect of view of respondents on sex education on the prevalence of pre-
marital sex. The prevalence of pre-marital sex in this study was 66.6%. This

J Comm Pub Health Nursing, an open access journal

ISSN: 2471-9846 Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000194
Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State,
Nigeria. J Comm Pub Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194

Page 5 of 6

is higher than the prevalence (14.9%) reported among school going of children, intelligence and achievement. Greater number of children,
adolescents in Coast Province, Kenya [13]. Similarly in Thailand, the according to Obi [20] had the potential for increasing parental
prevalence was 11.0%. Boyd [14] reported that in spite of the vigorous frustrations in dealing with the complexities of individual personality
campaign against indiscriminate sexual activities as well as the cultural needs, the variety of role definition and their day-to-day demand and
values attached to sex after marriage, people particularly adolescents, pressure of family life. An increase in the size of the family increases
14-17 years have continued to intensify their interest in pre-marital the complexity of intra-group relations and poses new problems in the
sexual activities; premarital sexual intercourse is common and appears fulfilment of individual family needs [19]. Obi [20] explained that the
to be on the rise in all regions of the world [14]. The result is also similar time and patience needed to explain rules were no doubt less available
to what was found in an African study by World Health Organization to parents with large families. Thus, according to him, as family size
in 2000. They observed that premarital sexual activity is higher in sub- increases, parents tended to rely on strong behavioral control requiring
Saharan Africa than in other regions and that 45% of females and 73% the children to assume a passive role. Obi [20] pointed out further, that
of males aged less than 19 years have had premarital sexual intercourse. when parents adopt strong behavioral control, adolescent might become
Similarly, in Nigeria, Meeker [15] reported that the median age for first rebellious and breakaway from the family. This view conformed to that
sexual experience in Ondo State was 16 years. It is also akin to findings of Teevan [21] who contended that as adolescent’s breakaway from
by Orubuloye, Caldwell who reported further that in Ekiti state, around parents, they conform to their peers. Conformity with peers, according
90% males, 97% of urban females and 64% of rural females have had to Teevan [21] might have impact on the adolescent.
sexual relationship while unmarried. These opinions and findings in
Thus Armstrong and Anarfi [22] reported that adolescent girls’
support of and pointing towards very high prevalence of premarital sex
vulnerability to various forms of sexual violence and sexual coercion
among adolescents especially in sub Saharan Africa, serves as a clarion
tended to increase once they live beyond the protection of their
call to all parents, guardians and adults to seriously re-examine and
families and when they lived under conditions of poverty and conflict.
sharpen their parenting skills with a view to instilling the desired strong
Adolescents, as pointed out by Caldwell et al. who were distant from
moral and disciplinary attitudes in the adolescents.
parental love, acceptance and authority (a consequence of large family
Some socio-demographic characteristics were found to have effect size) might seek affection and attention elsewhere, often becoming
on pre-marital sex. The males were twice more likely compared with the emotionally dependent on boyfriends and afraid of losing the boys, give
females to engage in pre-marital sex [OR: 2.431, (95% CI: 1.705-3.465), in to their demands for sexual intercourse. Gage [23] supporting this
p=0.000]. This is similar to the situation in Thailand [OR: 1.66, (95% view stated that the need for attention, affection and strong emotional
CI: 1.14-2.42)]. Gender of the student had been considered by many relationship might be an important motivation for involvement in
researchers as being a factor influencing the extent of involvement premarital sex. This situation according to Berglund et al. was worse
in premarital sex by adolescents. Amporns reported in a study in for girls who had poor relationship with their parents. Moreover the
Cambodia, that although 22% of the females had any form of sexual contribution of large family size to increased incidence of premarital sex
experience, the sexual encounters had been with their boyfriends. among adolescents is further supported by Hogan and Kitagawa who
However, the males were less likely to have their first sexual experience explained that there was positive association between family size and
with their partners, even though a high proportion (about 42%) had teenage pregnancies because of low resources. In large families where
their first sexual experience with girlfriend, another 40% had theirs parental resources are inadequate to meet each child’s need, the need to
with commercial sex workers. Furthermore, gender is an important survive becomes a driving force behind the adolescent girl’s decision to
factor in understanding premarital sexual attitudes and behaviors. engage in premarital sex [23]. She stated further that adolescent girls
Several studies [16,17] indicate that males are more likely to initiate are vulnerable to exploitative and coercive sexual practices, especially
sexual intercourse and have more permissive perceptions about sex if the pressure on them to earn income is strong because of their own
than females. Yet few studies have explored possible reasons for these needs and demands from their parents. In line with the views of Gage
gender differences. With samples of unmarried adolescents in three [23], WHO [24] and Schoept [25] adolescent girls could enter into
Asian cities influenced by Confucian cultures, this article investigated sexual relationship with older wealthy men who could take over their
the relationship between underlying gender norms and these financial, school and material needs.
differences in adolescents’ premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP). In
Another socio-demographic variable that had effect on premarital
this study the older respondents (≥ 14 years) were twice more likely to
sex was the location of the schools. Adolescents in the urban secondary
engage in pre-marital sex than the younger respondents (≤ 13 years)
schools were twice more likely to engage in pre-marital sex compared
[OR: 2.908, (95% CI: 2.153-3.928), p=0.000). Similarly in Thailand the
with their rural counterparts [OR: 2.000, (95% CI: 1.180-2.143),
older aged respondents (≥ 15 years) were twice more likely to engage
p=0.002]. This result is at variance with the finding of Mensch et al.
in pre-marital sex compared with the younger respondents [OR: 2.60,
[26] who reported that boys who were post pubescent and attended
(95% CI: 1.80-3.74)].
schools in rural areas were more likely to be sexually experienced. This
This study also revealed that large family size had an effect on pre- discrepancy may have arisen because only the male adolescent was
marital sex. Respondents from families with ≥ 4 Children were four considered in the reference study. However the finding of our study is
times more likely to engage in pre-marital sex compared with those in agreement with that of Moore et al. [27] who saw living in urban
from families with ≤ 3 children. [OR: 4.139, (95% CI: 2.945-5.817), slums as disadvantageous and described it as “living in dangerous
p=0.010). This is in agreement with the hypothesis put forward by environment”. To them, being such disadvantaged was associated with
Wu and Martinson [18] to the effect that there could be a relationship several factors that could influence teenage sexual and reproductive
between family size and personality, emotional and social development, behaviours and outcomes. He stated that being so disadvantaged was
less interaction between siblings, parental supervision and manner in associated with early age at first intercourse. According to him, in the
which resources are allocated. This has been corroborated by studies by urban slums are brothels, which served as “havens” for adolescent’s
Nye et al. in [19], which have shown an increased relationship between sexual escapades. He also reported that the vast majority of urban
family size and such variables as family affection, emotional adjustment boys were engaged in unprotected sex, even with commercial sex

J Comm Pub Health Nursing, an open access journal

ISSN: 2471-9846 Volume 3 • Issue 4 • 1000194
Citation: Anene JO, Ojinaka EP, Ndie EC (2017) Variables Influencing Premarital Sex among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State,
Nigeria. J Comm Pub Health Nursing 3: 194. doi:10.4172/2471-9846.1000194

Page 6 of 6

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Limitations of Study 14. Boyd A (2000) The world’s youth. Washington D.C: Population Reference
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No limitation was encountered in the process of carrying out this
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Conclusion 16. Zuo X (2012) Gender Differences in adolescent premarital sexual

permissiveness in three Asian cities: Effects of gender-role attitudes. J Adolesc
It was concluded from the study that age class of study gender and Health 50: S18-S25.
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18. Wu L, Martinson BC (2003) Family structure and risk of premarital birth. Am

Recommendations Sociol Rev 58: 210-232.
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in the youths. Family planning should be embraced by parents in order experience of children. Am Sociol 96: 838-849.
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