PREVALENCE, PERCEIVED CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MARITAL SEX AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EKITI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence, perceived causes, and consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Ekiti State. The research was conducted in theOye-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The study population comprised seniorsecondary school students from government-owned secondary schools within the localgovernment area. A total of 200 students were randomly selected to participate in the study. Datawas collected through the administration of questionnaires and analysed using descriptivestatistical methods, including frequency counts, percentage distributions, and mean rank orderanalysis. The findings show that most secondary school students engage in premarital sex,indicating a high prevalence of this behaviour. Further findings also revealed that the causes ofpremarital sex include pornography, drugs, curiosity, unmet needs, low self-esteem, environmentalfactors, changes in societal values, financial pressure, experimentation, high libido, alcoholism,peer influence, modernisation, smoking, financial inducements, poverty, self-gratification, andinvolvement in gang activities. It was also deduced that the consequences of premarital sex, asexpressed by secondary school students, include poor academic performance, exposure toHIV/AIDS, loss of respect, abortion, loss of life, exposure to other sexually transmitted infectionsand diseases, dropping out of school, distractions, unwanted pregnancy, depression, and rejection.It was recommended that comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education be implemented inschools starting in early adolescence, covering not only biological aspects but also relationships,consent, decision-making skills, and the potential consequences of sexual activity.