DOCSLIB.ORG

Perceived Factors Influencing Premarital Sexual Practice Among University Students in Niger Delta Universit, Bayelysa State, Nigeria

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Perceived Factors Influencing Premarital Sexual Practice Among University Students in Niger Delta Universit, Bayelysa State, Nigeria CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by CSCanada.net: E-Journals (Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture, Canadian Research & Development Center of Sciences and Cultures) ISSN 1712-8056[Print] Canadian Social Science ISSN 1923-6697[Online] Vol. 12, No. 11, 2016, pp. 79-88 www.cscanada.net DOI:10.3968/8927 www.cscanada.org Perceived Factors Influencing Premarital Sexual Practice Among University Students in Niger Delta Universit, Bayelysa State, Nigeria Ekpenyong Nkereuwem Stephen[a],*; Ekpenyong Alfred Stephen[b] [a]Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. INTRODUCTION [b]Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Sexual activities among students have been reported Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. to be increasing worldwide. Several studies in sub- *Corresponding author. Saharan Africa have also documented high and increasing Received 9 July 2016; accepted 14 October 2016 premarital sexual activities among university students Published online 26 November 2016 (World Health Organization, 2004). Pre marital sex is sexual activity practiced by persons who are unmarried Abstract and it has been considered taboo in some cultures and sin in numerousreligion. This study was carried out to determine the factors Mehmet (2006) concluded that among the background influencing premarital sexual practice among students variables considered mother education, age, ethnicity of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa and employment status were among the most important State. Participants in the study were students of the Niger predicators of attitudes towards women premarital Delta university, both males and females. To collect activity. Allen (2003) had earlier reported that several the data for this study, the survey research design was polls have indicated peer pressure as a significant sexual adopted, 230 structured questionnaires were distributed activity predicator, while on the contrary, sexually to 230 respondents, out of which 216 questionnaires inducing drugs and alcohol have been identified as were collected. The analysis was done using the simple factors which may encourage unintended sexual activities percentages/tables and hypotheses were tested using (UNICEF, 2001). the chi-square statistical method. Finding reveals that In southwestern Nigeria, sex before now was regarded premarital sexual practice among students in the university as sacred and limited only to adult males and females is high The consequences of premarital sex on the students within marriage but today, many adolescent engage in were examined and among the consequences include; various delinquent behavior such as drinking of alcohol, unwanted pregnancy, poor academic performance, regret, smoking and premarital sexual activities (Alo, 2008). It health, effect, depression etc.. Based on the findings, the has also been noticed that most behavioral responses of study made recommendations on how to alleviate this young people habitually revolve around sexual activities problem. (Inyang, 2007). Engagement in the pleasure of romantic Key words: Perceived factors; Influence; Premarital intimacy, usually end up in sexually intercourse among sexual practice; University students; Niger delta; Bayelysa the students. Many reasons are often postulated by the state; Nigeria students who engage in reckless romantic and sexual explorations to justify their sexual behavior, some people Stephen, E. N., & Stephen, E. A. (2016). Perceived Factors believe that premarital sex is necessary because everyone Influencing Premarital Sexual Practice Among University is entitled to engage in sexual intercourse but the person Students in Niger Delta Universit, Bayelysa State, Nigeria. must have safe sex while others sees premarital sex to be Canadian Social Science, 12(11), 79-88. Available from: a taboo (Rena, 2006). http://www.cscanada.net/index.php/css/article/view/8927 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/8927 Premarital cohabitation has been reported as a common phenomenon among Nigeria university undergraduates 79 Copyright © Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture Perceived Factors Influencing Premarital Sexual Practice Among University Students in Niger Delta Universit, Bayelysa State, Nigeria because sex is a predisposing factor in the initiation of iii. What are the perceived consequences of sexual activities (Alo, 2008). Furthermore, Ibrahim (2003), premarital sex among students of Niger Delta opined that the life style of university students have University? changed over the years because students, seem to value D. Research Hypothesis free sexual life on campus. The following is the hypothesis formulated to guide WHO (2001), stated that premarital behaviors of this study. university students, tend to pose major threats to life and i. There is no significant relationship between the future of the country as students involved in reckless gender of the respondents and their knowledge sexual activities. Public opinion polls have consistently about premarital sexual practice. shown that premarital sex is wrong and dangerous to ii. There is no significant relationship between age health, resulting in abortions, teenage mothers and and premarital sexual practice. sexually transmitted disease (Aaron, 2006). This study therefore, intends to explore the factors influencing premarital sexual practice among students of Niger Delta 1. LITERATURE REVIEWS University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa Sate. 1.1 Engagement of Student in Premarital Sex A. Statement of the Problem The youth sexual behavior is sometimes linked to the Researchers have observed that there is prevalence of socio economic status of the family, primarily through the premarital sexual practices among youths in contemporary education and incomes of the parents. According to Nunn society, which leads to high incidence of unintended and Andrew (1994) young adults act in their own best pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Most interest when deciding to engage in premarital sex. They writers and school authorities from upon students weigh the benefits from the joy of sex against its costs, the indulgence in premarital sex. Some communities carry possibility of having an out-of-wedlock birth. An out-of- out disciplinary action on youths who indulge in it. The wedlock birth has many potential costs for young women; federal health management Board engages in series of it may reduce her education and job opportunist. It may campaigns to create public awareness on the danger damage her prospects in the marriage market, she may and circulation of sexually transmitted diseases. But in feel shame. this study, the issue of premarital sexual practice among Similar investigation were also carried out intend students is fast emerging as a serial social and public to merely document levels of sexual practice, numbers health problem. Why do university students involve and ages of sexual partners, knowledge and use of actively in premarital sex? Are students aware of the contraceptives, in a study of Kenya population (Karman, consequences of premarital sex? Zulkiff, & Low, 2007) reported that a lot of Kenya B. Objective of the Study engages in premarital sex and the behavior is on the The purpose of the study is to determine the factors increase. However, Nigeria is a relatively cultural influencing premarital sexual practice among students conservative country, the topic of sex is still considered a of Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa taboo between parents and children a child learns through State. the mass media, and peers unguided. The following is the specific objectives of the study. Premarital cohabitation has been reported a common i. To assess the knowledge of students on phenomenon among Nigeria university undergraduate. premarital sexual practice in Niger Delta Teens everywhere are not waiting until they are University. married to have sex. Teenagers are saying, “sex is fun” ii. To identify factors influencing premarital and “everybody is doing it”. Students who engage in sexual practice among students of Niger Delta premarital sex are more likely to suffer negatively from University. long-term physical, emotional, social and moral effects, iii. To determine the consequences of premarital than students who choose to wait. sexual practice among students of Niger Delta Onyemelukwe (1993) explained that in contemporary University. time, Nigeria youths have gained in the sex revolution C. Research Questions in Europe and America. The impact of alien ideas and For the purpose of this study, a few research questions cultures, mass communication and conditions of urban were formulated to guide the researcher in the process. life on the behavior and attitude of Nigeria adolescents They are the following cannot be over emphasized. There were extensive interest, i. What is the knowledge of students on premarital inquiry and curiosity in premarital sexual activities. sexual practice? The youths are exposed to sexual stimuli in magazines, ii. What are the factors influencing premarital television and the movies to a greater extent than before, sexual practice among students of Niger Delta thereby creating a general trend towards liberated attitude University? and values that encourage open discussion on sexuality. Copyright © Canadian Academy of Oriental and Occidental Culture 80 Ekpenyong Nkereuwem Stephen; Ekpenyong Alfred Stephen (2016). Canadian Social Science,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • FINAL Sexuality Premarital Sex.Key
    SEXUALITY Pre-Marital Sex Exercise Adapted from Teaching eHRAF Exercise 1.21, Exercise VI. Sexuality by Carol Ember "Ampelpärchen" in Vienna, Austria. By Qaswed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons In this activity, you will conduct basic research on the diversity of social attitudes towards premarital sexual relations across the globe. CROSS-CULTURAL SEXUALITY: PREMARITAL This Teaching Exercise is provided by the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University in New Haven, CT EXERCISE DETAILS TIME: 35 minutes MATERIALS REQUIRED: ➤ HRAF Access ➤ Worksheet and pen or other materials for recording answers STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this assignment, you will be able to: ➤ describe five distinct social perspectives on premarital sexual relations ➤ Critique notions that certain human sexual behaviors or attitudes are universal, and/or natural/unnatural ➤ construct effective and efficient search strategies in eHRAF in order to retrieve data relevant to a specific topic/assignment. This Teaching Exercise is provided by the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University in New Haven, CT This Teaching Exercise is provided by the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University in New Haven, CT Societies vary markedly in their attitudes towards sexuality. There are innumerable social answers that human societies proffer for such questions as... Zulu couple at traditional wedding ceremony in South Africa. By Azekhoria Benjamin CC by SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons This Teaching Exercise is provided by the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University in New Haven, CT This Teaching Exercise is provided by the Human Relations Area Files at Yale University in New Haven, CT NO SEX.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigeria: Penalty Under Sharia Law for a Man Who Has Premarital Sex Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa
    Response to Information Request NGA43283.E Page 1 of 3 Home > Research > Responses to Information Requests RESPONSES TO INFORMATION REQUESTS (RIRs) New Search | About RIRs | Help 17 January 2005 NGA43283.E Nigeria: Penalty under Sharia law for a man who has premarital sex Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa Under Sharia law in Nigeria, the penalty for a man who has extra- marital sex depends on whether the man is or has been married (HRW Sept. 2004, 22; EC Sept. 2001, 8). The offence of adultery applies to a married or divorced man and is punishable by death (HRW Sept. 2004, 22; AI 10 Feb. 2004, Sec. 1.1; EC Sept. 2001, 8). The offence of fornication applies to a man who has never been married and is punishable by 100 lashes and imprisonment for one year (AI 10 Feb. 2004, Sec. 1.1; ibid. Nov. 2003; EC Sept. 2001, 8, 19). According to a report prepared by Doctor Ruud Peters for the European Commission (EC), "unlawful sexual intercourse (i.e. between persons who are not married)" is called zinâ (ibid., 8), which includes rape (ibid., 19). According to the Sharia penal codes in force in 12 northern states, the definition of someone who has committed zinâ is "whoever, being a man or a woman fully responsible, has sexual intercourse through the genital [sic] of a person over whom he has no sexual rights and in circumstances in which no doubt exists as to the illegality of the act" (AI 10 Feb. 2004, Sec. 1.1). According to Human Rights Monitor, as quoted in the Report From a Fact-Finding Trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Kaduna and Lagos) 23-28 February 2004 by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration and Immigration Appeals Board, "the implementation of [S]hari'a in Northern Nigeria has not meant a change in what acts are defined as criminal offences - the 1959 Penal Code Law for the Northern Region was based on [S]hari'a and is still valid" (Norway Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • Thai Views of Sexuality and Sexual Behaviour*
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by The Australian National University Health Transition Review 6, 1996, 179-201 Thai views of sexuality and sexual behaviour* a b c John Knodel , Mark VanLandingham , Chanpen Saengtienchai and Anthony d Pramualratana a Population Studies Center, University of Michigan b Department of Sociology, University of Washington c Institute of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok d Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Bangkok Abstract This study focuses on how married Thai men and women interpret sexuality and sexual behaviour in the context of their own social lives. We start by examining general views of male and female sexuality and then explore how these views relate to premarital, marital and extramarital heterosexual sex. Our study is based on qualitative data from a variety of segments of Thai society derived through the use of focus group discussions and individual focused in-depth interviews. Research into sexuality, sexual behaviour and related attitudes in Thailand, as in much of the rest of the developing world, has been stimulated by recent concerns about the worldwide AIDS pandemic and, to some extent, by the increasing international attention to issues related to gender. In Thailand, increasing interest in sexual behaviour has been further fuelled by the spread of the AIDS virus from marginalized groups into mainstream Thai society. Sexual networks facilitating this spread of HIV infection in Thailand link prostitutes with their male customers, and the customers with their wives and non-commercial sex partners (Brown et al. 1994). The key role played by commercial sex in male social life and in the spread of HIV in Thailand is reflected by the widespread availability and patronage of commercial sex outlets by men (Boonchalaksi and Guest 1994).
    [Show full text]
  • From Romantic Jealousy to Sympathetic Joy: Monogamy, Polyamory, and Beyond Jorge N
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by California Institute of Integral Studies libraries Digital Commons @ CIIS International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive 2019 From Romantic Jealousy to Sympathetic Joy: Monogamy, Polyamory, and Beyond Jorge N. Ferrer Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/advance-archive Part of the Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Philosophy Commons, Religion Commons, and the Transpersonal Psychology Commons From Romantic Jealousy to Sympathetic Joy: Monogamy, Polyamory, and Beyond Jorge N. Ferrer. Cailornia Institute of Integral Studies San Francisco, CA, USA This paper explores how the extension of contemplative qualities to intimate relationships can transform human sexual/emotional responses and relationship choices. The paper reviews contemporary findings from the field of evolutionary psychology on the twin origins of jealousy and monogamy, argues for the possibility to transform jealousy into sympathetic joy (or compersion), addresses the common objections against polyamory (or nonmonogamy), and challenges the culturally prevalent belief that the only spiritually correct sexual options are either celibacy or (lifelong or serial) monogamy. To conclude, it is suggested that the cultivation of sympathetic joy in intimate bonds can pave the way to overcome the problematic dichotomy between monogamy and polyamory, grounding individuals in a radical openness to the dynamic unfolding of life
    [Show full text]
  • Patterns of Marriage, Sexual Debut, Premarital Sex, and Unprotected Sex in Central Asia
    Patterns of Marriage, Sexual Debut, Premarital Sex, and Unprotected Sex in Central Asia Annie Dude University of Chicago [email protected] Submission for PAA 2005 Abstract This study uses 1995 and 1999 DHS data from Kazakhstan to chart patterns of marriage, sexual debut, premarital sex, and unprotected sex over the past 20 years among young women aged 15-29. DHS data from Uzbekistan (1996) and Kyrgyzstan (1997), while not as rich in the details of sexual behavior, such as condom use, is analyzed to determine how the mean ages of first marriage and sexual debut have fluctuated in recent times, as well as the prevalence of premarital sex and frequency of intercourse. Preliminary findings indicate that, while the median age of first marriage is relatively high in Central Asia compared to other developing regions, the median ages of first marriage and of sexual debut have been declining slightly in all three countries, across all ethnic groups, and that married women have frequent unprotected sexual encounters, relative to their unmarried peers. The prevalence of premarital sex has also been increasing, particularly among women of Russian ethnicity, and, although unmarried sexually active women do not have sex as frequently as their married counterparts, up to a quarter of these sexually active unmarried women have had unprotected sex in the past week. Introduction Central Asia has been cited by several international health organizations, including the WHO, UNAIDS, and the World Bank, as a region that should expect, and plan for, significant increases in the incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the coming decade.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Sexual Practices of Evangelical Teens and Young Adults By: David J
    Research Brief August 2019 Current Sexual Practices of Evangelical Teens and Young Adults By: David J. Ayers Evangelicals1 have historically held a simple view of sex outside of marriage—don’t. Yet social science has shown for years that most self-identified Evangelicals engage in premarital sex. Despite the official teachings of their churches and clear instruction in the Bible, sex outside of marriage has become increasingly morally acceptable among them as well. For example, in the General Social Survey (GSS), in 2014 through 2018 combined, only 37% of “fundamentalist”2 adults said that sex outside marriage was “always wrong,” while 41% said it was “not wrong at all.” From 1974-1978, the same percentages were 44% and 27%, respectively. Meanwhile, the GSS showed that among never-married fundamentalist adults between 2008 and 2018, 86% of females had at least one male sex partner since age 18, while 57% had three or more. For males, 82% had had at least one sex partner, and 65% had three or more. This includes respondents as young as 18 or 19, which reduces the percentages who are sexually active, because percentages rise as singles get older. In a previous analysis of 2000-2016 GSS data for never-married members of conservative Protestant denominations who were 25-40 years of age, I found that 89% of men and 92% of women had at least one opposite-sex partner in the past five years.3 The wholesale abandonment of most of the traditional sex ethic among modern Evangelicals is well-documented.4 Joshua Harris is, of course, the most recent example.
    [Show full text]
  • History of Sex Education Table of Contents
    History of Sex Education Table of contents Introduction 5 The social hygiene movement 9 Schools and character-building organizations 13 The influence of WWI 17 Moving beyond disease prevention 19 Family life education 21 The sexual revolution and culture wars 25 Controversies erupt 29 The culture wars 33 AIDS changes the debate 37 The fight between abstinence-only and comprehensive sexuality education 39 The rise of the abstinence-only movement 43 Abstinence-only programs face criticism 49 Evidence-based programs and beyond 51 The fight continues 55 Looking forward: Sex ed as a vehicle for social change 59 2 3 Introduction Sex education in the United States has great potential to educate both individuals and society. It can give us knowledge about our bodies; debunk harmful stereotypes about sex, race, and gender; provide opportunities for us to think critically about our own values and relationships; and empower us to stand up for our rights and the rights of others to pleasure, bodily autonomy, and consent. This was not, however, what sex education was initially designed to do. Too often, over the past 100 years of American history, it has been used to do just the opposite. 4 5 Those who originally pushed the importance of SIECUS believes, however, that sex education— educating the public about sexuality did so out if done properly—has the power to serve as a of a fear that their comfortable, white, middle vehicle for social change. Understanding the class way of living was being threatened by the history of sex education in this country, the loosening of sexual morals.
    [Show full text]
  • New Global Orthodox Identity for United Methodists Surprises Many
    Reforming the Church’s Social and Political Witness Spring 2019 New Global Orthodox Identity for United Methodists Surprises Many Page 8 ALSO INSIDE: ► Notre Dame and Christendom page 3 ► Nadia Bolz-Weber Asserts Life Begins at Breath page 10 ► Ideology Matters: Tim Keller and Politics page 11 ► United Methodist Queer Clergy: Gospel Can Affirm Polyamory page 12 ► Premarital Sex ‘Healthy,’ Chastity ‘Unreasonable’ Say Progressive Pastors page 13 ► Southern Baptists versus United Methodists page 14 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 THE INSTITUTE ON Delegate Edwin Exiomo of the Philippines prays during a day set aside for prayer at the RELIGION & DEMOCRACY 2019 United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS. 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 202.682.4131 FEATURES Fax: 202.682.4136 Web: www.TheIRD.org 8 NEW, GLOBAL, ORTHODOX E-mail: [email protected] IDENTITY FOR UniTED METHODISTS SURPRISES MANY PRESIDENT by Mark Tooley Mark D. Tooley EDITORIAL 10 NADIA Bolz-Weber Asserts Life Beings at Jeffrey Walton Breath Executive Editor, Communications Manager by Chelsen Vicari 14 SOUTHERN BAPTIST VS. STAFF Faith J. H. McDonnell UniTED METHODISTS Director of Religious Liberty Programs by Mark Tooley John Lomperis UMAction Director Rick J. Plasterer PROGRAMS Staff Writer Chelsen Vicari Church News. 4 Evangelical Action Director International Briefs. .6 Marc LiVecche Scholar on Christian Ethics, Presbyterian War and Peace 11 Ideology Matters: Tim Keller and Politics. Daniel Strand Dan Moran Research Assistant United Methodist Ryan Brown, Katy Vanderkwaak 12 United Methodist Queer Clergy: Gospel Can IRD Interns Affirm Polyamory. Jeffrey Walton Evangelical Cover: Delegates from the 13 Premarital Sex ‘Healthy,’ Chastity ‘Unreasonable’ Philippines and Southeast Asia Say Progressive Pastors.
    [Show full text]
  • Christianity & Polyamory
    CHRISTIANITYChristianity & Polyamory hosted by QueerTheology.com an online course & POLYAMORY 1 UNIT 3 WORKBOOK Unit 3 Workbook Christianity & Polyamory Unit 3: The Poly God This week, we’re going to explore: 1. The Synergy Between Christianity & Polyamory 2. Polyamory & God’s Abundance 3. God’s Polyamorous Agape Love There’s also a workbook & some prompts • Considering the limits and possibilities of love in our life • Beginning to explore the poly possibilities of scripture CHRISTIANITY & POLYAMORY 2 UNIT 3 WORKBOOK There’s A Synergy Between Christianity & Polyamory At QueerTheology.com, our motto has always been “LGBTQ Christians have more to offer the world than what we are not.” For too long, we’ve been told that the only conversation to have around gender, sexuality, and faith is “whether it’s OK.” That same sort of thinking spills over into other conversations around sexuality and relationships. We get stuck at “is it ok?” rather than asking more insightful questions like “What does this add?” “How might this illuminate the divine?” “Where is God?” Hopefully by this point, you understand that open or polyamorous relationships can be a healthy and holy way to structure relationships, that there’s nothing inherently wrong with them. But if not, what Fr. Shay and I have also found is that constantly debating whether “it’s ok” (whether “it” is being LGBTQ, having premarital sex, or being polyamorous) is rarely insightful or effective. We’ve talked and worked with folks who weren’t convinced that “it” was “ok” but when we breezed past that question, eventually came around because the good fruits were just too obvious to ignore.
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of Sex Education on Adolescents' Involvement In
    International Journal of Educational Policy Research and Review Vol.4 (6), pp. 113-124 June, 2017 Available online at https://www.journalissues.org/IJEPRR/ https://doi.org/10.15739/IJEPRR.17.013 Copyright © 2017 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article ISSN 2360-7076 Original Research Article The influence of sex education on adolescents’ involvement in premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania Received 5 April, 2017 Revised 20 April, 2017 Accepted 4 May, 2017 Published 7 June, 2017 Wilhelmina Jerome Premarital sex and adolescent pregnancy are among challenges to Lyimo*1, development. Globally Tanzania is among countries with highest rates of 2 adolescent pregnancies having 44% of women become pregnant at teen age Jamin M. Masinde accounting for 40% of school dropouts. Despite provision of sex education in and schools, the problem still persists with little information about its influence Kimani G. Chege2 on adolescents’ sexual behavior. This study, therefore, intended to identify and describe the influence of sex education on adolescents’ involvement in 1Department of Sociology and premarital sex and adolescent pregnancies in Arusha City, Tanzania. The Social Work, The Open University study population comprised adolescents aged 14-24 years. Descriptive of Tanzania. survey, and purposive and snow ball sampling were employed. A pilot study 2Department of Sociology and was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Data collection Psychology, Moi University, was through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant Kenya. interviews and documentary review with interview schedules and discussion checklists as instruments. Content analysis was used based on the *Corresponding Author Email: objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Religiosity on the Sexual Behaviors of College Students
    The Impact of Religiosity on the Sexual Behaviors of College Students Tina Penhollow, Michael Young and George Denny ABSTRACT Sexuality is considered by most religious traditions to represent general temptation, procreation or a way to strengthen emotional bonds. The purpose of this study was to determine if frequency of religious attendance and perceived degree of religiosity could distinguish between those students who have and have not participated in selected sexual behaviors. Data were collected from a convenience sample of undergraduate students (n = 408) at a southeastern university. Students voluntarily completed a questionnaire in a regular classroom setting. The questionnaire elic- ited information regarding the frequency of attendance at religious services, perceived strength of religious feelings, perception of God’s view of sex, and participation in the following sexual behaviors: sexual intercourse (ever, last year and last month), giving oral sex (ever and last month), receiving oral sex (ever and last month), and anal sex (ever). Data were analyzed using both univariate analysis (chi-square and analysis of variance) and logistic regression. Results indicated that religiosity variables, especially frequency of religious attendance and religious feelings, were significant predictors of sexual behavior. Results should be considered by those working with college students in the area of human sexuality. INTRODUCTION more, the majority of religious teachings are individuals are more likely to be sexually Religion, by definition, is a conservative based upon the assumptions that the ma- active during emerging adulthood com- force based upon a set of beliefs concern- jor purpose of sex is procreation.1-3 In con- pared to when in high school, but they are ing the cause, nature and purpose of the trast to these generally prohibitive sexual also less likely to use condoms.5 A study by universe.
    [Show full text]
  • The Social Impact of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
    The Social Impact of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa ETIENNE VAN DE WALLE University o f Pennsylvania A ' | 1 h E AIDS CRISIS HAS ERUPTED IN AFRICA AT THE I very time when everything seems to conspire to bring bad news: drought, famines, and civil wars, and the huge refugee streams caused by their conjunction; the economic crisis and soaring public debts and the insistent intrusion of foreign advisers in such areas as structural adjustment, agricultural reform, and population control. The AIDS emergency compounds a sense of loss of control in the face of crises which, however real they are, had not been identified locally un­ til diagnosed by foreigners: the energy shortage, the population explo­ sion, and now, the HIV plague. Perhaps the most disheartening realization is that the heady progress made in the area of public health is suddenly in question. In a time of optimism, the Brandt (1980, 82-83) report had insisted on the impor­ tance of health in nation building: Health is a unique challenge, because it is a collective public func­ tion where improvement is soon noticeable. Reducing parasitic dis­ eases demonstrates that there is no inevitability about people’s lot; that human beings can alter their own environment and their pros­ pects for the future. As the poor begin to realize their own capacities for directing their lives, they become more open to innovation and change. Reduced morbidity from malaria and river-blindness has al­ ready in the past encouraged farmers who have previously been de- The Milbank Quarterly, Vol. 68, Suppl. 1, 1990 © 1990 Milbank Memorial Fund IO Impact o f AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa II bilitated to accept new farming techniques.
    [Show full text]