Age, Marital Status And Religion As Predictors Of Sexual Risk Cognition Among Undergraduates In One Nigeria University

Abstract

Although much research has been conducted on sexual risk behavior, little attention seems to have been given to demographic variables that may likely predict undergraduates' sexual risk behavior. The purpose of this study therefore, was to find out the demographic predictors of sexual risk cognition of undergraduates in one of the universities in South-Western Nigeria. Using an ex post facto design and random sampling technique, 300 participants were drawn to participate in the study. Participants' mean age was 26years; minimum age was 15years, while the maximum age was 38years. 180 (60%) of the total participants were young (ages 15years to 26years) while 120 (40%) were old. (Ages 27years to 38years). On marital status, 240 (80%) of the total population were singles, 45 (15%) were married, 15 (.5%) were separated. On religion, 210 (70%) were Christians, 75 (25%) were Muslims and 15 (.5%) belong to other religious groups. On ethnicity, 12 (.4%) were Hausas, 54 (18%) were Ibos, 209 (69.6%) were Yorubas and 24 (8%) were categorised as others. Validated scale was used to collect data which was analyzed with linear multiple regression analysis. Result of analysis revealed that religion and marital status of participants significantly independently and jointly predicted sexual risk cognition of students, (P<.05), but age of participants was not a significant predictor (P>.05). It was concluded that an individual's religion and marital status will have significant impact on the sexual risk cognition of such an individual. Psychologists, Teachers and Counselors should therefore pay attention to these variables in helping students improve their sexual risk cognition.

African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol. 11 (1&2) 2008: pp. 238-250