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Perception of peers' behaviour regarding sexual health decision making among female undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the perception of Nigerian female undergraduate about sexual behaviours of their peers and the type of influence their peers tend to exert on them.
Method: The study was cross-sectional in nature and involved 588 randomly selected unmarried female undergraduates in two tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi-Info statistical package.
Results: Three-quarters of respondents were between 15 and 24 years and the majority were from homes with formally educated parents (91.2 % of mothers and 93.9 % of fathers). Regarding sexual behaviour, 80.1% of respondents indicated that their age mates were already sexually active, and 92 % indicated that most of their friends had regular sexual partners. The use of condoms by sexually active friends was reported by 58.5 % of respondents. Almost half (47.1 %) of respondents indicated that they were under pressure by friends to engage in pre-marital sex, and 22.1 % indicated that the pressure was moderate or severe in degree. However, 64.6 % of respondents indicated that they would receive moderate or lots of support for their friends if they made the decision to abstain from sex.
Conclusion: Perception of sexual behaviour of peers and the nature of the pressure that peers exert support pre-marital sex. It appears peers would also respect and support the decision of those that choose to practice sexual abstinence.
African Health Sciences Vol.5(2) 2005: 107-113