Background: According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), adolescents are persons aged 10 to 19
years. Adolescence is the progression from appearance of
sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity;
development of adult mental processes and adult identity
and a period of transition from total socio-economic
dependence to relative independence. Their sexual
behaviour is an issue of global public health concern.
Objective: TThis study is to assess the sexual behaviour
and practices among secondary school adolescents in
Anambra State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross -sectional descriptive study of 384 inschool
adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, selected
using a multi stage random sampling technique was done.
Data was collected using pre-tested, semi-structured self
administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed with SPSS
version 13 computer software.
Results: One hundred and twenty (34.3%) out of 384
respondents have had their first sexual exposure and are
sexually active. Seventy eight (65.0%) were males while 42
(35.0%) were females. The mean, modal and youngest ages
of initiation into sexual activity were 15.08 + 0.2, 15+ 0.2,
and 10+ 0.2 years respectively. About 49 (40.8%) have
multiple sexual partners. Contraceptive awareness was
52.0%, while contraceptive uses at first and last sexual
intercourse were 35 (29.2%) and 108 (75.0%) respectively.
The most commonly used contraceptive methods were
condom 90.0% (108) and pills 8.20% (10), while the most
common reasons for having premarital sex were peer group
pressure 50.0% (60) and monetary gains 27.5% (33).
Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is high among this
age group. Efforts to promote sexuality education and
contraceptive awareness should be intensified.