Contextual Determinants of Sexual Behaviour of Emerging Adults

Olufemi Adetutu, Obafemi Awolowo University

Several studies have examined the determinants of sexual behaviour of young adults in Nigeria. These studies found explanations in individual and household predictors. However, evidence from the developed countries established that the conceptualization of young people’s transition to adulthood should move beyond using age classification in explaining the period of transition to adulthood but also includes social construction couched in delay parenthood and marriage. Meanwhile, there is little research on these in Nigeria. Hence this study tested models on age at first sex and incorporated individual-level alongside household and community characteristics using the 2013 Nigeria DHS using COX proportional hazard model. Results showed the median age at first sex is higher for male (19.3 years) compared with female (18.2 years) and that education, HIV perception, religion, female-headed household, region, urban residence, ethnic group, and community poverty and education influenced age at first sex. Familial and community-based interventions should be encouraged.