Determinants of premarital sex in Maiduguri, Nigeria: Implications for Human Papilloma Virus vaccination

• Published in: International journal of medicine and biomedical research Vol. 2; no. 3; pp. 195 - 201
• Main Authors: Bukar, M, Audu, BM, Kawuwa, MB, Ibrahim, SM, Ali, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lagos Michael Joanna Publications 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Human papillomavirus
• ISSN: 2277-0941; 2315-5019
• DOI: 10.14194/ijmbr.236

Early coital exposure is associated with multiple sexual partners and higher risk of sexually transmitted infections including oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a precursor of cervical cancer. This study aims to document the determinants of premarital sex with a view to determine the age of HPV vaccination. A cross sectional study of 221 respondents carried out between January and April 2010. The majority, 188 were aged 20-29 years. The mean age was 24.73+4.929. Males constituted 125 with 165 being single. One hundred and eighty were university students. Most, 111 have not had premarital sex. Twenty four had early sexual exposure initiated intercourse between 16-20 years. Eighty two had premarital intercourse with statistically significant preponderance of males over females. Ninety five percent of respondents agree that an STI vaccine should be given with most respondents citing age group 10-15 years as the most appropriate age for vaccination. After logistic regression analysis, determinants of premarital sex were religion and occupation.