Spatial pattern and determinants of age at first sex in Nigeria: A geo-additive model approach

Abstract

Age at first sexual intercourse is an essential variable for public health policymakers. This study analyses spatial patterns and some factors contributing to age at first sex in the different geo-political zones in Nigeria. The 2013 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) was used to investigate geographical variability and determinants of age at first sex in Nigeria Using a Geo additive model. Spatial effects were used to identify geopolitical zones where women are at higher risk of getting exposed to sexual activities at an early age. Result shows a strong effect of education, locality, smoking effect, religion, and region on age at first sex of women in Nigeria. The risk of women getting exposed to sex at an early age in many states in the North-West part of Nigeria was shown to be highly significant, except for Kaduna.

Keywords: Age at first sex, Spatial Pattern, Nigeria, Geo-Additive model.