Parental characteristics and adolescent sexual behaviour in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, to examine how parental attributes influence adolescent sexual activity. Data were gathered through structured interview with 400 adolescents aged 12-24 years using a three-stage random sampling procedure. Findings show that more than one third of the adolescents interviewed had sexual intercourse in the month proceeding the survey. Less than one fifth of the sexually active adolescents were using a method of contraception to either prevent infections or avoid unwanted pregnancy. Further analysis confirmed the fact that adolescents with whom parents had discussed family life issues were less likely to be sexually active than those with whom parents had never discussed family life issues. The study also found a negative effect of family instability on adolescent sexuality. These findings call for the need for family-sensitive programs that will enhance family stability especially economically. The need for parental empowerment to be able to cope with the challenges of adolescent life in Nigeria is also stressed since adolescents who have family life education from parents are less likely to be sexually active.