Study of Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Secondary School Students in Cross River State

Adolescent sexual behaviour in Nigerian secondary schools has implications for HIV/STI transmission, unintended pregnancy, and educational disruption, and describing its prevalence and contributing factors in South South Nigeria informs counselling and health education programming. This study examined sexual attitudes and risk behaviour among senior secondary school students in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, Cross River State. A descriptive survey was conducted among 310 SS2 and SS3 students from six schools, using stratified random sampling. A confidential structured questionnaire assessed sexual experience, contraceptive use, risk perception, and sex education exposure. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results showed that 38.7 percent of respondents had ever had sexual intercourse, with the mean age of sexual debut at 15.3 years. Consistent condom use was reported by only 31.4 percent of sexually active students. Peer influence (68.4 percent) and romantic relationship pressure (54.7 percent) were the most commonly cited initiation factors. Access to school-based sex education was reported by only 26.8 percent. Students who had received sex education were significantly more likely to report consistent condom use (OR 2.7, p < 0.01). The study recommends comprehensive sexuality education integration into secondary school curricula, trained school counsellors delivering confidential sexual health guidance, and youth-friendly reproductive health services in Cross River State schools. Keywords: adolescent sexuality, sexual risk behaviour, secondary school students, Cross River State, sexual health counselling