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 the
Oye-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The study population comprised senior
secondary school students from government-owned secondary schools within the local
government area. A total of 200 students were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data
was collected through the administration of questionnaires and analysed using descriptive
statistical methods, including frequency counts, percentage distributions, and mean rank order
analysis. 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 of
premarital sex include pornography, drugs, curiosity, unmet needs, low self-esteem, environmental
factors, changes in societal values, financial pressure, experimentation, high libido, alcoholism,
peer influence, modernisation, smoking, financial inducements, poverty, self-gratification, and
involvement in gang activities. It was also deduced that the consequences of premarital sex, as
expressed by secondary school students, include poor academic performance, exposure to
HIV/AIDS, loss of respect, abortion, loss of life, exposure to other sexually transmitted infections
and diseases, dropping out of school, distractions, unwanted pregnancy, depression, and rejection.
It was recommended that comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education be implemented in
schools starting in early adolescence, covering not only biological aspects but also relationships,
consent, decision-making skills, and the potential consequences of sexual activity.