Perception of peers’ behaviour regarding sexual health decision making among female undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: High-risk sexual behaviours are prevalent in tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria, but little is known about the social influences that bear on the reproductive health decision-making and behaviour of the undergraduates. On the other hand, perceptions regarding the behaviour and influence of peers have been documented to be key social factors associated with reproductive health behaviour of young people. Objective: This study aimed to assess the perception of Nigerian female undergraduate about sexual behaviours of their peers and the type of influence their peers tend to exert on them. Method: The study was cross-sectional in nature and involved 588 randomly selected unmarried female undergraduates in two tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi-Info statistical package. Results: Three-quarters of respondents were between 15 and 24 years and the majority were from homes with formally educated parents (91.2 % of mothers and 93.9 % of fathers). Regarding sexual behaviour, 80.1% of respondents indicated that their age mates were already sexually active, and 92 % indicated that most of their friends had regular sexual partners. The use of condoms by sexually active friends was reported by 58.5 % of respondents. Almost half (47.1 %) of respondents indicated that they were under pressure by friends to engage in pre-marital sex, and 22.1 % indicated that the pressure was moderate or severe in degree. However, 64.6 % of respondents indicated that they would receive moderate or lots of support for their friends if they made the decision to abstain from sex Conclusion: Perception of sexual behaviour of peers and the nature of the pressure that peers exert support pre-marital sex. It appears peers would also respect and support the decision of those that choose to practice sexual abstinence.