Socio-demographics as predictors of risky sexual practices among undergraduate students

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Risky sexual practices among undergraduate students have become a significant public health concern both globally and in Nigeria. Such behaviors include unprotected sexual intercourse, early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent use of contraceptives, which increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and psychological stress (Akinyemi, 2017; World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). The prevalence of these behaviors among university students is particularly worrying due to the potential long-term health, social, and economic consequences for young adults.

University students, as young adults, are at a transitional stage of life where independence, peer influence, and exploration of personal identity become prominent. This period is often marked by experimentation, which can extend to sexual behavior (Odu, 2020). Exposure to new social environments, limited parental supervision, and the desire for social acceptance often increase the likelihood of engagement in risky sexual practices. Studies suggest that such behaviors are often compounded by inadequate knowledge of sexual health, despite awareness campaigns and sexual education programs on campuses (Olumide et al., 2017).

Socio-demographic factors play a critical role in shaping sexual behavior among undergraduates. Characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status have been consistently identified as predictors of risky sexual practices (Okonofua et al., 2018). For example, male students are more likely to engage in unprotected sex and have multiple sexual partners compared to female students, highlighting the influence of gender norms and societal expectations on sexual behavior.

Age is another important factor influencing sexual practices. Younger students, especially those in the early years of university, may lack the maturity or life experience to make informed decisions about sexual health. Conversely, older students might have increased exposure to sexual networks or relationships that could influence risk-taking behaviors. The relationship between age and risky sexual practices underscores the need for age-specific interventions that consider developmental stages and cognitive readiness (Ajayi & Adeyemi, 2021).

Marital status also influences sexual behavior. Undergraduate students who are single or in casual relationships may be more likely to engage in risky sexual practices than their married or long-term partnered counterparts. This is often linked to greater experimentation and lower perceived responsibility for sexual health outcomes. In addition, religious affiliation and adherence to religious teachings can act as protective factors or risk enhancers depending on the level of engagement and the perceived acceptability of premarital sexual activity (Eze, 2019).

Socio-economic status further complicates the picture of risky sexual behavior. Students from higher socio-economic backgrounds may have better access to sexual partners, financial independence, and contraceptives, which could either reduce or exacerbate risk depending on personal choices. Conversely, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds may engage in transactional sex or risky sexual behavior due to economic pressures or lack of access to sexual health resources (Okonofua et al., 2018).

While several studies in Nigeria have examined the prevalence of risky sexual behavior among undergraduates, much of this research has focused on knowledge of contraception and awareness of STIs rather than the predictive role of socio-demographic factors (Olumide et al., 2017). There is a need to go beyond descriptive statistics and explore how these socio-demographic characteristics directly influence risky sexual behavior. Understanding these relationships can help policymakers, university authorities, and health educators design more effective interventions targeted at high-risk student populations.

This study, therefore, seeks to fill the identified research gap by examining the extent to which socio-demographic factors—age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status—predict engagement in risky sexual practices among undergraduate students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. By identifying the key predictors of such behaviors, the study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for sexual health promotion and risk reduction strategies within Nigerian tertiary institutions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Risky sexual behavior continues to pose serious health and social consequences for Nigerian undergraduates. Such behaviors, including unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and early sexual debut, increase the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and associated psychological stress (WHO, 2019). These outcomes not only affect the immediate health and wellbeing of students but also have long-term implications for their academic performance, social relationships, and future life opportunities. The persistence of these behaviors among undergraduates represents a growing public health challenge in Nigeria.

Despite numerous awareness campaigns and sexual and reproductive health programs targeting Nigerian youth, risky sexual practices remain alarmingly high. Studies indicate that knowledge alone is insufficient to curb these behaviors, as students often engage in risky sexual activities due to peer influence, curiosity, and the desire for social acceptance (Olumide et al., 2017). In many cases, the lack of consistent access to sexual health resources, contraceptives, and counseling services further exacerbates the problem, leaving students vulnerable to negative outcomes.

Socio-demographic factors have been highlighted as significant influencers of sexual behavior among young adults. Gender differences, for example, reveal that male students are more likely than female students to engage in unprotected sex or have multiple sexual partners, reflecting societal norms and expectations around masculinity and sexual freedom (Okonofua et al., 2018). Age is another critical factor, as younger undergraduates may lack the maturity and life experience to make informed decisions regarding sexual health, while older students may engage in riskier sexual networks due to increased social exposure (Ajayi & Adeyemi, 2021).

Marital status and religion also contribute to variations in sexual behavior among undergraduates. Single students or those in casual relationships may demonstrate higher levels of sexual experimentation, whereas married or committed students may be more cautious in their sexual practices. Religious affiliation and adherence to moral teachings can act as protective factors, influencing attitudes toward premarital sex and encouraging safer sexual behaviors (Eze, 2019). Socio-economic status, too, plays a role, as students from wealthier backgrounds may have greater access to sexual partners and contraceptives, while students from lower socio-economic groups may be pressured into transactional sexual relationships.

Despite these observations, there is limited empirical research in Nigeria that systematically examines the predictive power of socio-demographic characteristics on risky sexual practices among undergraduates, particularly at Obafemi Awolowo University. Most existing studies focus on descriptive aspects, such as prevalence rates or knowledge of contraceptives, without exploring the extent to which individual socio-demographic factors can predict engagement in risky sexual behavior (Olumide et al., 2017). This knowledge gap hinders the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of sexual risk-taking among students.

Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate how socio-demographic variables—such as age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status—influence risky sexual practices among undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University. Understanding these predictive relationships is essential for designing effective sexual health interventions and policies that can reduce STIs, unintended pregnancies, and other negative consequences, ultimately promoting the wellbeing and academic success of Nigerian undergraduates.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine socio-demographic predictors of risky sexual practices among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University. Specific objectives include:

1. To identify the prevalence of risky sexual practices among undergraduate students.
2. To examine the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status) and engagement in risky sexual practices.
3. To determine the predictive power of socio-demographic factors on risky sexual practices among undergraduate students.
4. To find out the adverse effect of risky sexual practices among undergraduate students.

1.5. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the prevalence of risky sexual practices among undergraduate students?
2. What is the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status) and engagement in risky sexual practices among undergraduate students?
3. To what extent do socio-demographic factors predict risky sexual practices among undergraduate students?
4. What are the adverse effects of risky sexual practices on undergraduate students?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement is buttressed below:

H₀: Socio-demographic factors do not significantly predict risky sexual practices among undergraduate students.

H₁: Socio-demographic factors significantly predict risky sexual practices among undergraduate students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways, particularly in its potential to provide empirical evidence on the socio-demographic factors influencing risky sexual behavior among undergraduate students. By identifying which characteristics—such as age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status—predict engagement in risky sexual practices, the study offers valuable insights for university authorities and health policymakers. Such evidence can guide the development of targeted interventions that address the specific needs of high-risk student groups (Ajayi & Adeyemi, 2021).

Second, the findings of this study can inform the design of age-appropriate sexual education programs tailored to the developmental stages of undergraduates. Younger students, who may lack adequate life experience and understanding of sexual health consequences, require different educational strategies compared to older students who may face different social pressures and risk exposures. Age-specific interventions are more likely to resonate with students and promote behavioral changes that reduce risky sexual practices.

Third, the study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to sexual health education. Gender differences in sexual behavior are well-documented, with male students often engaging in higher levels of sexual risk-taking compared to females. By understanding these patterns, educators and health practitioners can develop strategies that address gender-specific needs, challenge harmful stereotypes, and encourage safer sexual practices among all students.

Fourth, the study has implications for the design and implementation of socio-culturally relevant interventions. Religion and cultural norms significantly influence sexual behavior in Nigerian society. Insights from this research can help health educators and university administrators incorporate culturally sensitive messaging that aligns with students’ beliefs and values, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of sexual health campaigns.

Fifth, this research contributes to the broader effort to reduce the prevalence of STIs, unintended pregnancies, and other negative health outcomes among undergraduates. By identifying socio-demographic predictors of risky sexual behavior, the study provides actionable information that can improve the allocation of resources, the planning of counseling services, and the development of preventive programs in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Finally, the study adds to the academic literature on sexual behavior among young adults in Nigeria, a field where empirical research is still limited. By focusing on undergraduates at Obafemi Awolowo University, the research fills a critical knowledge gap, providing a foundation for future studies on sexual health, behavioral interventions, and public health policy within Nigerian universities and comparable contexts across Africa.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and examines the influence of socio-demographic variables—including age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status—on engagement in risky sexual practices. The study excludes postgraduate students and undergraduates from other universities to maintain focus and feasibility.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Risky Sexual Practices: Refers to behaviors that increase the likelihood of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including unprotected sexual intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, early sexual debut, inconsistent or non-use of contraceptives, and engagement in transactional sex (WHO, 2019). In this study, it is measured by self-reported engagement in such behaviors among undergraduate students.

Socio-Demographics: Refers to the social and demographic characteristics of individuals, including age, gender, marital status, religion, and socio-economic status. These variables are examined to determine their predictive influence on students’ engagement in risky sexual practices (Okonofua et al., 2018).

Undergraduate Students: Individuals enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The study focuses specifically on undergraduates across various faculties and years of study, excluding postgraduate students.

Age: The chronological age of the respondents, categorized into ranges for analytical purposes (e.g., 16–20, 21–25, 26–30 years). Age is considered a potential predictor of risky sexual behavior due to differences in maturity and social exposure.

Gender: The biological sex of the respondents, categorized as male or female. Gender is examined to determine differences in sexual behavior and risk-taking patterns among students.

Marital Status: The legal or relational status of the students, categorized as single, in a relationship, married, or other. Marital status is used to explore how relational context influences engagement in risky sexual practices.

Religion: The religious affiliation or belief system of the respondents, such as Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs. Religion is considered as a socio-cultural factor that may shape attitudes and practices regarding sexual behavior.

Socio-Economic Status (SES): Refers to the economic and social position of students, often measured by parental income, occupation, or self-reported financial capacity. SES is examined as a predictor of access to sexual resources, exposure to risk, and engagement in risky sexual practices.