Knowledge and Behavioural Intentions for Intergenerational Sexual Relationships among Young Female Students in a Pre-Varsity Institution in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sexual relationship between young women and older men is a major contributor to women’s risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and behavioural intentions for intergenerational sexual relationships (IGS) among young female students in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted study between July and August 2018 using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Using convenience sampling method, we selected 160 young female students enrolled in a Joint Universities Pre-Degree Educational Programme in a Nigeria university. For data collection, we employed a self-report questionnaire. Data were analysed by use of a Chi-square test. Alpha was set at 5%. Results: The study revealed that 60% of the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge regarding IGS. More than half (56.3%) of the respondents had indifferent attitudes towards IGS. About two-thirds (62.5%) of the respondents had a moderate level of behavioural intentions. The main motive of young girls for IGS was to get money and gifts (83.8%). There was a significant association between monthly stipend (P≤0.0001), level of knowledge (P≤0.0001), attitude (P≤0.0001), and overall behavioural intentions to practice IGS among the students. Conclusion: The study concluded that female students had a moderate level of behavioural intentions to practice intergenerational sexual relationships. There is a need for appropriate health interventions that will address both present and future engagement in intergenerational sexual relationships among young women and prevent negative health outcomes from unsafe sex among this age group.

Keywords

• transactional sex
• adolescent
• young women
• sexually transmitted infections
• sexual behaviour