Sexual behaviour and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among female adolescents in Ilorin Kwara State

Subject and methods: Eight hundred and twenty six female adolescents from two randomly selected female only secondary in llorin metropolis were interviewed with respect to their sexual behaviour and knowledge of sexually transmitted disease (STD). Results: The age ranged between 11 and 20years. Sexual activity is significantly associated with respondent's family type (polygamy and socio –economic status). Seven hundred and forty four (90.1%) had ever discussed sexual topic. About three –fifth 440(59.1%) had the first discussion with friends /peer. Five hundred and twenty six (63%) knew one or two symptoms of STD. Two hundred and eighty eight (34.9%) knew the condom use could prevent STD. Three hundred and eighty six (46.7) had experienced sexual intercourse. The youngest age at first sexual intercourse was 11 years with a mean age of 15.9years. In 140 (32.2%) of those that had sexual experience, the sexual partner was older and in 81(21%) there was some element of force/coercion. Motive for the first sexual intercourse included curiosity 149(38.6%), financial reward/inducement 97(25.1%) and urging of friends 85(22%). Conclusions: It is recommended that sex education should start at primary school level to educate female teenagers on the dangers of early initiation of sexual activity; and ways of protecting themselves against the sexual advances of the male gender. Key Words: Female adolescents, Sexual behavior, knowledge, Sexually transmitted disease; llorin. Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol.8(1) 2004: 10-16