Perceived Parental Behaviour as Predictor of In-School Adolecent Sexual Risk Behaviour in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Sexual risk behavior among youth, defined as early sexual initiation, unprotected intercourse, or sex with multiple partners, is a major area of concern to parents or caregivers and the health professionals given the many associated negative consequences. There is dearth of literature on the influence of perceived parental behavior on adolescent sexual risk behavior in the country Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the prediction of sexual risky behavior of the youth by their perception of their parental behaviors. A cross sectional survey involving 1,589 participants, male (n=753), female (n=836) aged 13 to 19 years drawn from 10 private and 19 public secondary schools in three of the five Local Government Areas (LGA) in Ibadan Metropolis was carried out. Regression analysis revealed significant prediction by parental psychological control (β=.10, t=3.99, p<.01) while the other parental behavioural dimensions were not significant. Implication is an overuse of psychological control. Efforts should be geared towards eliciting healthy parental behavior through teaching parenting skills and also giving the adolescents cognitive therapy.