Prevalence and Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviour among Street Children in Nigeria: Evidence from Lagos and Ibadan Metropolises

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and determinants of risky sexual behaviour among
street children in Lagos and Ibadan metropolises, Nigeria. Many young people in the
street are involved in a high level of sexual activity. In the context of lack of information
and knowledge about the nature and dynamics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
among young people, street children are particularly in grave danger because their
social condition and environment make them more susceptible to the infections of Human
Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS) and
STIs. The study aimed to understand the social forces propelling street children’s
involvement in risky sexual behaviour. A sample size of 2,000 respondents was selected
for the quantitative study across the two locations (1,000 from each location), 50 in-depth
interviews (IDIs), comprising 25 in each of the locations; and 20 focused group
discussions (FGDs), consisting of 10 in Lagos and 10 in Ibadan, were conducted among
street children. Results showed a high level of sexual activities among street children in
both locations with 41.3% and 29.5% in Lagos and Ibadan respectively reporting that
they were sexually active. Qualitative data revealed that a significant number of them
were raped in their first sexual experience. In both locations, there were high levels of
irregular use of condom and involvement in same-sex sexual intercourse. Findings
suggest parents’ experience of marital dissolution was significantly related to street
children’s sexual activities with p<0.001. Similarly, drug and alcohol usage was found to
be related to involvement in high sexual activities. As a way forward, the study
recommended the introduction of programmes to reintegrate street children back to
normal life, reunite those whose families are intact and relocate others to government
facilities, as their needs and circumstances demand.