The realities of adolescent sexual behaviours in Nigeria: a narrative review

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of development during which young people experience significant physical, cognitive, and social changes. Adolescent sexual behaviors can have significant consequences for their physical and mental health, as well as for their social and economic well-being. In Nigeria, the majority of adolescents have their sexual debut before the age of 18, and many do not have access to comprehensive sexuality education or sexual and reproductive health services. Objective: We conducted a narrative review to discuss how early adolescence, in conjunction with a variety of social and environmental variables, influences adolescents' risky sexual behaviours in Nigeria. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to explore the realities of adolescent sexual behaviors in Nigeria. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and PubMed Central using predetermined search terms. The articles were reviewed and analyzed and then the findings were discussed narratively. Results: Various factors, including sexual maturation, peer association, and environment play key roles in an adolescents’ drive toward a first sexual experience. Many adolescents participate in risky sexual activities that may impact their health and well-being. These risky sexual behaviours, such as early sexual debut, lack of or improper use of condoms, multiple sexual partners, put them at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as unintended adolescent pregnancy. Conclusion: Teenagers are momentarily endangered with various risky sexual behaviors as those who lack parental sex education are at greater risk. Hence, parent-child communication should be encouraged to curtail risky sexual habits among teenagers. Keywords: Sexual health; sexual behaviour; adolescent; young people; Nigeria.