SEXUAL BEHAVIORS

The study investigated the prevalence and patterns of sexually risky behaviour among undergraduate students in the University of Benin. It focused on how often students engage in unsafe sexual practices, such as unprotected sex, substance use before sexual activity, and failure to seek medical attention when exposed to risks. Using a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from a sample of 150 students selected through stratified sampling from the faculties of Education, Engineering, and Agriculture. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analyzed using mean and standard deviation to measure response patterns. The instrument was validated through expert review and proven reliable through a pre-test with students outside the sample. The findings show that unsafe sexual behaviour is common among students regardless of gender or age. Many students reported engaging in sex without protection, depending on their partners for safety, and continuing sexual activity even after a condom failure. Substance use, lack of discussion about sexual health, and involvement with multiple partners were also common behaviours. These patterns were consistent across both male and female students, and among younger and older age groups. The analysis revealed that risky sexual decisions were not influenced by gender, age, or the type of institution, but may instead be shaped by social and environmental factors such as peer influence and access to health resources. This study helps to give a clearer understanding of the sexual behaviour of adolescents in the university setting and stresses the need for targeted interventions. The researcher recommends improved access to sexual health education, open communication strategies, and support services such as free contraceptives and confidential counselling. These measures are aimed at helping students make safer choices and reduce health risks. The study supports findings from similar research in other parts of Nigeria and calls for continued efforts in addressing the knowledge and support gaps that lead to these risky behaviours.

This study investigated the causes and effects of premarital sex among undergraduate students in the University of Benin. In recent years, premarital sexual activities have become increasingly common among young people, particularly university students who are exposed to diverse social, cultural, and academic pressures. This growing trend raises concerns due to its potential implications on students’ health, emotional wellbeing, and academic performance. The study therefore sought to identify the major factors that influence students to engage in premarital sex and to examine its consequences on their overall adjustment within the university environment. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The target population consisted of 270 undergraduate students residing in Ekosodin Community, from which the sample was selected. A structured questionnaire was the principal instrument for data collection, and it was validated by experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed through statistical analysis. Data collected were analyzed using mean to answer
the research question, while simple linear regression and independent sample t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that premarital sex among undergraduates is influenced by multiple factors such as peer group pressure, curiosity and the desire for sexual experimentation, exposure to media and internet content, lack of
comprehensive sex education, family background and parenting style, socioeconomic challenges, and the influence of alcohol and drug use. Furthermore, the study established that premarital sexual activities have far reaching effects, including poor academic performance, health risks such as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies, emotional and
psychological distress, social stigma, and long-term relationship difficulties. Based on these findings, the study recommends that parents, educators, school counsellors, and policy makers intensify efforts toward providing comprehensive sexual education both at home and in schools. It also recommends strengthening counselling services within the university to help students cope with emotional and psychological challenges. Creating awareness programmed that discourage risky sexual behavior and promoting value-based education among youths were also suggested as measures to reduce the prevalence of premarital sex among undergraduate students.

This study explored the influence of sexual behaviors and contraceptive use among undergraduates at the University of Benin. four research questions were raised to guide the study and two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance The study uses a descriptive survey research design, with a sample of 100 students selected through stratified random sampling from five faculties. The research instrument is a structured questionnaire designed to assess students' knowledge of graceful aging practices and their engagement in such practices and was validated by two lecturers from the department. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the test–retest method. The questionnaire was administered to 20 respondents who were part of the main study sample. After an interval of two weeks, the same questionnaire will be re- administered to the same group. The scores from the two administrations will be correlated using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to determine the stability of the instrument over time. Descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentage) were used for the research questions and hypotheses was tested at 0.05 level of significance.