Review of Problems of Adolescent Sexual Behavior and the Role of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in Nigeria
Affiliation(s)
Department of Community Medicine and PHC, NAU/NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NAU/NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria.
Department of Community Medicine and PHC, NAU/NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NAU/NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The problems of adolescents’ sexual behavior are grave and far-reaching. Methods: Review of exiting literature via Google scholar, AJOL, Pubmed, HINARI and other relevant data bases on the common problems of adolescents’ inappropriate sexual behavior. Result: Adolescent sexual behavior could result in adolescent pregnancy which prevalence varies widely throughout Nigeria perhaps due to differences in culture and development. Abortion, the willful termination of pregnancy is another problem which is often undertaken for pregnancies resulting from incest and sexual abuse. Also common is trans-generational sex which occurs when an adolescent has non-marital sex in the last 12 months with a man who is at least 10 years older than her. Also related to this, is transactional sex found in both committed and casual relationships. It is not always done for survival because in some cultures, sex for favor is carried out for reasons other than subsistence. Furthermore, multiple sexual partners are the engagement in sex with more than one partner over a particular time frame. It may be sequential or concurrent. The high prevalence of these problems in Nigeria raises a question of the possibility of achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs) 4, 5 and 6 specifically targeted at reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases respectively. Conclusion: Policies and strategies such as family life and HIV/AIDs education (FLHE) curriculum on adolescent reproductive health should be pursued with greater vigor in our secondary schools in addition to establishing HIV counseling centers and vocational training programs for out-of-school adolescents. WHO support and commitment to key action areas for countries and member states will build and strengthen their capacity to improve reproductive and sexual health.
Cite this paper
Adogu, P. , Udigwe, I. , Udigwe, G. and Ubajaka, C. (2014) Review of Problems of Adolescent Sexual Behavior and the Role of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in Nigeria. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5, 940-948. doi: 10.4236/ijcm.2014.515126.
Adogu, P. , Udigwe, I. , Udigwe, G. and Ubajaka, C. (2014) Review of Problems of Adolescent Sexual Behavior and the Role of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in Nigeria. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5, 940-948. doi: 10.4236/ijcm.2014.515126.
References
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http://www.prb.org/publications/Datasheets/2006/...aspx [6] National Population Commission (NPC) and ICF Macro (2009) Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2008. National Population Commission and ICF Macro, Abuja, Nigeria. [7] Okpani, A.O. and Okpani, J.U. (2000) Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use among Female Adolescents—Report from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 4, 40-47.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583241 [8] Okereke, C.I. (2010) Unmet Reproductive Health Needs. Health Seeking Behavior of Adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 14, 43-54. [9] Adekunle, L.A., Ricketts, O.Z., Ajunwon, A.J. and Ladipo, O.A. (2009) Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behavior and Education Needs of In-School Adolescents in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 13, 37-39. [10] Bryan, D. and Packer, M.S. (2004) Adolescents, Unwanted Pregnancy and Abortion. Ipas, Chapel Hill. [11] Mabiala, J.R., Massamba, A., Bantsima, T. and Senga, P. (2008) Sexual Behaviour among Adolescent in Brazzaville, Congo. Journal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction, 37, 510-515. [12] Onyeka, I.N., Miettola J., Ilika, A.L. and Vaskilampi, T. (2011) Unintended Pregnancy and Termination of Studies among Students in Anambra State, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 15, 109. [13] World Health Organization (2008) Adolescent Pregnant-Unmet Needs Undone Deeds. WHO, Geneva. [14] Elfebein, D.S. and Felice, M.E. (2003) Adolescent Pregnancy. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 50, 781-800.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0031-3955(03)00069-5 [15] Guttmacher Policy Review (2007) Young People Need Help in Preventing Pregnancy and HIV, How Will the World Respond? GMI. [16] Alan Guttmacher Institute (2011) Facts on Induced Abortion Worldwide in Brief. Fact Sheet, Alan Guttermacher Institute. [17] Odu, O.O., Asekun, E.O., Bamidele, J.O., Egbewale, B.E., Amusan, O.A. and Olowu, A.O. (2008) Knowledge, Attitudes to HIV/AIDS and Sexual Behavior of Students in a Tertiary Institution in South-Western Nigeria. [18] Aderibigbe, S.A. and Araoye, M.O. (2008) Effect of Health Education on Sexual Behavior of Students of Public Secondary Schools in Llorin, Nigeria. European Journal of Public Health, 24, 33-41 [19] Okereke, C.I. (2010) Unmet Reproductive Health Needs. Health Seeking Behavior of Adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 14, 43-54. [20] Grimes, D.A., Benson, J., Singh, S., Romero, M., Ganatra, B., Okonofua, F.E., et al. (2006) Unsafe Abortion: The Preventable Pandemic. The Lancet, 368, 1908-1919.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69481-6 [21] Raufu, A. (2002) Unsafe Abortion Cause 20,000 Deaths a Year in Nigeria. BMJ, 325, 988.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7371.988/d [22] Alan Guttmacher Institute (2006) Adolescents in Ghana New York. Facts in Brie, Alan Guttermacher Institute. [23] Moore, A.M., Biddlecom, A.E. and Zulu, E.M. (2007) Prevalence and Meanings of Exchange of Money or Gifts for Sex in Unwanted Adolescent Sexual Relationships in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11, 44-61.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/25549731 [24] USAID (2003) Cross-Generational Sex: Risks and Opportunities. Briefs. USAID. [25] Luke, N. (2003) Age and Economic Asymmetries in Sexual Relationships of Adolescents Girls on Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies in Family Planning, 34, 67-86.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2003.00067.x [26] Luke, N. and Kurz, K.M. (2002) Cross-Generational and Transactional Sexual Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pop Services International, Washington DC. [27] Kelly, R.J., Gray, R.H., Sewankambo, N.K., Serwadda, D., Wabwire-Mangen, F., Lutalo, T., et al. (2003) Age Differences in Sexual Partners and Risk of HIV-1 Infections in Rural Uganda. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 32, 446-457.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00126334-200304010-00016 [28] Gregson, S., Nyamukapa, C.A., Garnett, G.P., Mason, P.R., Zhuwau, T., Caraël, M., et al. (2002) Sexual Mixing Patterns and Sex-Differentials in Teenage Exposure to HIV Infection in Rural Zimbabwe. The Lancet, 359, 1896-1903. [29] Kanku, T. and Mash, R. (2010) Attitude, Perception and Understanding amongst Teenagers Regarding Teenage Pregnancy Sexuality and Contraception in Tuang South Africa. Form Preact, 52, 563-572 [30] Côté, A., Sobela, F., Dzolcoto, A., Nzambi, K., Asamoah-Adu, C., Labbé, A.C., et al. (2004) Transactional Sex Is the Driving Face in the Dynamics of HIV in Accra, Ghana. AIDS, 18, 917-925.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00002030-200404090-00009 [31] Ilika, A. and Igwegbe, A. (2004) Unintended Pregnancy among Unmarried Adolescents and Young Women in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 8, 92-102.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583396 [32] Moore, A., Biddlecom, A. and Zulu, E. (2007) Prevalence and Meanings of Exchange of Money or Gifts for Sex in Unmarried Adolescent Sexual Relationships in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11, 1-19. [33] Meelar, S.D. and Calves, A. (1997) Man Girl Friends, Girl Friends, Marriage and Money: The Society Context of HIV Risk Behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health Transition Review, 7. [34] Luke, N. (2003) Age and Economic Asymmetries in the Sexual Relationships of Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies in Family Planning, 34, 67-86.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2003.00067.x [35] Masvawure, T. (2010) “I Just Need to Be Freshly on Campus”: Female Students and Transactional Sex at a University in Zimbabwe. Culture, Health and Sexuality, 12, 857-870.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691050903471441 [36] Durojaiye, O.C. (2011) Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of HIV/AIDS. Behavioral Change among Tertiary Education Students in Lagos, Nigeria. Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 4, 18-24. [37] Unuigbe, I.E. and Ogbeide, O. (1999) Sexual Behavior and Perception of AIDS among Adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 3, 39-44.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583227 [38] Morhason-Bello, I.O., Oladokan, A., Enakpene, C.A., Fabanwo, A.O., Obisekan, K.A. and Ojengbede, O.A. (2008) Sexual Behavior of In-School Adolescents in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 12, 89-97. [39] Owoaje, E.T. and Uchendu, O.C. (2009) Sexual Risk Behavior of Street Youth in South-West Nigeria. East African Journal of Public Health, 6, 274-279. [40] Dare, O.O., Oladepo, O., Cleland, J.G. and Badru, O.B. (2001) Reproductive Health Needs of Young Persons in Markets and Motor Parks in South-West Nigeria. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 30, 199-205 [41] Federal Ministry of Health (2006) National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey 2005. Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria. [42] Santelli, J.S., Brener, N.D., Cowry, R. BhaH A. and Zabin, L.S. (1998) Multiple Sexual Partners among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults. Family Planning Perspectives, 30, 271-275.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2991502 [43] Bamidele, J.O., Abodunrin, O.L. and Adebimpe, W.O. (2009) Sexual Behaviour and Risk of HIV/AIDS among Adolescent in Public School in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2, 387-394. [44] National Population Commission (2008) Reports on 2008 Population Census in Nigeria. [45] Madalla, L.S. (2003) Transactional Sex and the Pursuit of Modernity. Social Dynamics, 29, 213-233. [46] WHO (2008) Adolescent Pregnancy: Document. WHO, Geneva. [47] WHO. Millennium Development Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases. [48] UNAIDS (2009) Sub-Saharan AIDS Epidemic. Update.
http://data.unaids.org/pub/facts/2009/20091124_FS_SSAen.pdf
[1] World Health Organization (2004) Reproductive Health Strategy. WHO, Geneva. [2] Federal Ministry of Health (2009) Assessment Report of the National Responses to Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria. [3] Biddle, A., Hessburg, L., Singh, S., Bankole, A. and Darubi, L. (2007) Protecting the Next Generation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Alan Guttermacher Institute. [4] Alan Guttermacher Institute (2006) Risk and Protection: Youth and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Alan Guttermacher Institute, New York. [5] Population Reference Bureau (2006) The World Youth 2006 Data Sheet. (Accessed 22/04/10).
http://www.prb.org/publications/Datasheets/2006/...aspx [6] National Population Commission (NPC) and ICF Macro (2009) Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2008. National Population Commission and ICF Macro, Abuja, Nigeria. [7] Okpani, A.O. and Okpani, J.U. (2000) Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use among Female Adolescents—Report from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 4, 40-47.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583241 [8] Okereke, C.I. (2010) Unmet Reproductive Health Needs. Health Seeking Behavior of Adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 14, 43-54. [9] Adekunle, L.A., Ricketts, O.Z., Ajunwon, A.J. and Ladipo, O.A. (2009) Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Behavior and Education Needs of In-School Adolescents in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 13, 37-39. [10] Bryan, D. and Packer, M.S. (2004) Adolescents, Unwanted Pregnancy and Abortion. Ipas, Chapel Hill. [11] Mabiala, J.R., Massamba, A., Bantsima, T. and Senga, P. (2008) Sexual Behaviour among Adolescent in Brazzaville, Congo. Journal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction, 37, 510-515. [12] Onyeka, I.N., Miettola J., Ilika, A.L. and Vaskilampi, T. (2011) Unintended Pregnancy and Termination of Studies among Students in Anambra State, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 15, 109. [13] World Health Organization (2008) Adolescent Pregnant-Unmet Needs Undone Deeds. WHO, Geneva. [14] Elfebein, D.S. and Felice, M.E. (2003) Adolescent Pregnancy. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 50, 781-800.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0031-3955(03)00069-5 [15] Guttmacher Policy Review (2007) Young People Need Help in Preventing Pregnancy and HIV, How Will the World Respond? GMI. [16] Alan Guttmacher Institute (2011) Facts on Induced Abortion Worldwide in Brief. Fact Sheet, Alan Guttermacher Institute. [17] Odu, O.O., Asekun, E.O., Bamidele, J.O., Egbewale, B.E., Amusan, O.A. and Olowu, A.O. (2008) Knowledge, Attitudes to HIV/AIDS and Sexual Behavior of Students in a Tertiary Institution in South-Western Nigeria. [18] Aderibigbe, S.A. and Araoye, M.O. (2008) Effect of Health Education on Sexual Behavior of Students of Public Secondary Schools in Llorin, Nigeria. European Journal of Public Health, 24, 33-41 [19] Okereke, C.I. (2010) Unmet Reproductive Health Needs. Health Seeking Behavior of Adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 14, 43-54. [20] Grimes, D.A., Benson, J., Singh, S., Romero, M., Ganatra, B., Okonofua, F.E., et al. (2006) Unsafe Abortion: The Preventable Pandemic. The Lancet, 368, 1908-1919.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69481-6 [21] Raufu, A. (2002) Unsafe Abortion Cause 20,000 Deaths a Year in Nigeria. BMJ, 325, 988.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7371.988/d [22] Alan Guttmacher Institute (2006) Adolescents in Ghana New York. Facts in Brie, Alan Guttermacher Institute. [23] Moore, A.M., Biddlecom, A.E. and Zulu, E.M. (2007) Prevalence and Meanings of Exchange of Money or Gifts for Sex in Unwanted Adolescent Sexual Relationships in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11, 44-61.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/25549731 [24] USAID (2003) Cross-Generational Sex: Risks and Opportunities. Briefs. USAID. [25] Luke, N. (2003) Age and Economic Asymmetries in Sexual Relationships of Adolescents Girls on Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies in Family Planning, 34, 67-86.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2003.00067.x [26] Luke, N. and Kurz, K.M. (2002) Cross-Generational and Transactional Sexual Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pop Services International, Washington DC. [27] Kelly, R.J., Gray, R.H., Sewankambo, N.K., Serwadda, D., Wabwire-Mangen, F., Lutalo, T., et al. (2003) Age Differences in Sexual Partners and Risk of HIV-1 Infections in Rural Uganda. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 32, 446-457.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00126334-200304010-00016 [28] Gregson, S., Nyamukapa, C.A., Garnett, G.P., Mason, P.R., Zhuwau, T., Caraël, M., et al. (2002) Sexual Mixing Patterns and Sex-Differentials in Teenage Exposure to HIV Infection in Rural Zimbabwe. The Lancet, 359, 1896-1903. [29] Kanku, T. and Mash, R. (2010) Attitude, Perception and Understanding amongst Teenagers Regarding Teenage Pregnancy Sexuality and Contraception in Tuang South Africa. Form Preact, 52, 563-572 [30] Côté, A., Sobela, F., Dzolcoto, A., Nzambi, K., Asamoah-Adu, C., Labbé, A.C., et al. (2004) Transactional Sex Is the Driving Face in the Dynamics of HIV in Accra, Ghana. AIDS, 18, 917-925.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00002030-200404090-00009 [31] Ilika, A. and Igwegbe, A. (2004) Unintended Pregnancy among Unmarried Adolescents and Young Women in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 8, 92-102.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583396 [32] Moore, A., Biddlecom, A. and Zulu, E. (2007) Prevalence and Meanings of Exchange of Money or Gifts for Sex in Unmarried Adolescent Sexual Relationships in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 11, 1-19. [33] Meelar, S.D. and Calves, A. (1997) Man Girl Friends, Girl Friends, Marriage and Money: The Society Context of HIV Risk Behavior in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health Transition Review, 7. [34] Luke, N. (2003) Age and Economic Asymmetries in the Sexual Relationships of Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies in Family Planning, 34, 67-86.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2003.00067.x [35] Masvawure, T. (2010) “I Just Need to Be Freshly on Campus”: Female Students and Transactional Sex at a University in Zimbabwe. Culture, Health and Sexuality, 12, 857-870.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691050903471441 [36] Durojaiye, O.C. (2011) Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of HIV/AIDS. Behavioral Change among Tertiary Education Students in Lagos, Nigeria. Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 4, 18-24. [37] Unuigbe, I.E. and Ogbeide, O. (1999) Sexual Behavior and Perception of AIDS among Adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 3, 39-44.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583227 [38] Morhason-Bello, I.O., Oladokan, A., Enakpene, C.A., Fabanwo, A.O., Obisekan, K.A. and Ojengbede, O.A. (2008) Sexual Behavior of In-School Adolescents in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 12, 89-97. [39] Owoaje, E.T. and Uchendu, O.C. (2009) Sexual Risk Behavior of Street Youth in South-West Nigeria. East African Journal of Public Health, 6, 274-279. [40] Dare, O.O., Oladepo, O., Cleland, J.G. and Badru, O.B. (2001) Reproductive Health Needs of Young Persons in Markets and Motor Parks in South-West Nigeria. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 30, 199-205 [41] Federal Ministry of Health (2006) National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey 2005. Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria. [42] Santelli, J.S., Brener, N.D., Cowry, R. BhaH A. and Zabin, L.S. (1998) Multiple Sexual Partners among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults. Family Planning Perspectives, 30, 271-275.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2991502 [43] Bamidele, J.O., Abodunrin, O.L. and Adebimpe, W.O. (2009) Sexual Behaviour and Risk of HIV/AIDS among Adolescent in Public School in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2, 387-394. [44] National Population Commission (2008) Reports on 2008 Population Census in Nigeria. [45] Madalla, L.S. (2003) Transactional Sex and the Pursuit of Modernity. Social Dynamics, 29, 213-233. [46] WHO (2008) Adolescent Pregnancy: Document. WHO, Geneva. [47] WHO. Millennium Development Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases. [48] UNAIDS (2009) Sub-Saharan AIDS Epidemic. Update.
http://data.unaids.org/pub/facts/2009/20091124_FS_SSAen.pdf