Religiousity and risky sexual behaviour among undergraduates in south west Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship spirituality and religion had on sexual behaviour and experiences. A crosssectional analytical survey involving 215 undergraduates from three tertiary institutions was conducted. These students were interviewed while on rural health practicum in a town in south west Nigeria. Spirituality was assessed with 9 questions having dichotomous responses. Maximum obtainable score was 18. Scores above the mean were classed as high spirituality. Mean age of respondents was 23.1±3.7 years, 59.1% were female, and 78.1% were Christian while 11.9% were Muslims. In all, 54.4% were sexually active. Among the sexually active 76(65%) were involved in Risky Sexual Behaviour (RSB). Spirituality/faith was an important part of the lives of 92.6% while 80% considered themselves to be moderately or very spiritual. Religious practices were reported on a daily basis by 83.7%. The mean age at sexual initiation was 17±5.2years. Less than half (49%) had multiple sexual partners, 22% received gifts for sex, 53% did not use condom at last sex, and 22% had unwanted pregnancy while 9% had Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Logistic regression analysis revealed that spirituality had no influence on sexual risk behaviour. Many students were sexually active and a high proportion exhibited RSB. Sustainable sexual health responses targeted at reducing risk behaviour among young people should not be limited by perceived spirituality.