Sexual Behavior, Reproductive Knowledge and Contraceptive Use Among Young Urban Nigerians

A researcher analyzed 1988 data on 5599 12-24 year olds living in 5 cities in Nigeria to determine sexual behavior knowledge and contraceptive use. 37% of males and 44% of females were sexually active. Among 20-24 year olds 86.1% of females and 77.7% of males were sexually active. Further more females were currently married than males (20.2% vs. 3%). Sexual activity was sporadic. Males were more apt to have >1 sexual partner than females (58% vs. 32%). 26% of males had 3 partners compared to only 9% of females. Sexually experienced youth tended to be Christian Igbo or Yoruba (p<.01) live in a city before age 14 (p<.01) and at least completed high school (p<.01). A friend or classmate provided most youth with information on reproductive health and contraception (46% males 39% females). Yet it tended to be incorrect or incomplete. Parents and relatives were the least common sources of knowledge. Only 43% of females and 38% of males knew a woman could conceive during 1st intercourse. In fact 15% of females and 16% of males said that pregnancy could not occur during 1st intercourse. Among sexually active females however 63% did indeed know that pregnancy could occur during 1st intercourse. Further only 33% of females and 17% of males knew that intercourse during part of the menstrual cycle would not result in pregnancy. 60% of females and 57% of males knew of at least 1 contraception. Both tended to mention the pill injectables and the condom. Only 19% of females and 20% of males used contraception. Among sexually active youth however these corresponding figures were 44% and 53%. Igbo youth from a rural village were the least likely to use contraception while the most likely group was Hausa youth with primary or secondary school. In conclusion policy makers and parents must be informed about early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth. Further concise information in an easily understood format must be distributed to parents and other relatives as well as to schools.