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Prevalence and pattern of risky sexual behavior among undergraduates in Benin City, Nigeria


 
 
 Risky Sexual Behaviours (RSB) describe sexual activities that increase the probability of experiencing negative consequences in the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of individuals. Research has documented an association between risky sexual behaviour and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of RSB among undergraduates in Benin City, Nigeria.
 
 
 
 A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among undergraduate students in Benin City, Nigeria. The University of Benin is one of Nigeria's first generation federal universities with about 75,000 students. A minimum sample size of 689 was calculated using the appropriate formulae for a descriptive study. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from the illustrative questionnaire for interviews-surveys with young people. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 22.0 software. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 
 
 
 A total of 690 undergraduates with a mean age (SD) of 20.42 ± 2.7 years and a male: female ratio of 1:1.3 participated in this study. Two hundred and eight respondents (30.1%) were sexually active. Of these, 47 (24.0%) respondents admitted to have multiple sexual partners, 36 (23.5%) cross-generational sex, 29 (14.8%) troilism, 29 (14.8%) transactional sex, 22 (11.2%) homosexualism, and non-vaginal sex, 22 (11.2%). Overall, 196 (38.5%) of the respondents engaged in RSBs. Age group (p < 0.001), sex (p < 0.001), and residing off-campus (p = 0.047) were significantly associated with RSBs.
 
 
 
 RSB in the studied population was high and having multiple sexual partners was the most reported type of RSB. Health interventions targeted at this age group are important for current and future sexual health.
 
 
 
 The prevalence of risky sexual behaviour is high among young persons. Health interventions targeted at this age group are important for current and future sexual health of young persons.
