Adverse childhood experiences and sexual risk behaviour in students of a Tertiary Institution in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are negative occurrences in childhood, including abuse (emotional, physical, and  sexual abuse), neglect (emotional and physical) or household dysfunctions, which are linked to compromised health and well-being in  adulthood. The consequences are wide and diverse including Sexual Risk Behaviour (SRB).

Aim: We embarked on this study to identify types and prevalence of ACE as well as the association between ACE and the adoption of SRB  among the students of a tertiary institution in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and  Technology. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, ACE and SRB. Descriptive and  inferential statistics were used to analyse the data as applicable.

Results: A total of 395 respondents participated in the study. The mean  age of respondents was 21.06±3.13years. Emotional abuse and physical neglect had the highest prevalence of 65.6% and 44.3%  respectively. Unprotected sex was the most prevalent SRB (19.5%). Majority (91.4%) of the respondents had experienced at least one ACE.  There was a graded dose response between ACE and SRB. Participants with sexual risk behaviour were twice likely to have been exposed  to household dysfunction (OR: 2.2 CI 1.3 - 3.7).

Conclusion: ACE and its subsequent effect on developing SRB have been demonstrated;  its prevention and early identification should be an integral part of public health programs.