ATTITUDES TOWARD PREMARITAL SEX AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study assessed attitude towards premarital sex among undergraduate students of University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised of thirty-nine thousand, two hundred and forty-three (39243) undergraduate students, from which a sample of 120 was selected for the study. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire. Analysis was carried out using SPSS. 22.0 where descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Results showed that majority were within 18-22 years. Respondents exhibited negative attitude towards premarital sex (mean 2.77 on a scale of 4). Sex had no significant relationship with attitude towards premarital sex (p=0.7), age had no significant relationship with attitude (p = .09), however, religious affiliation was significantly related to premarital sex (p = .00). The study concluded that there was negative attitude towards premarital sex among the studied population. Age and sex had no influence on attitude towards premarital sex, whereas religious affiliations influenced attitude. The study recommended that the school authority should consider organizing programmes (seminars and workshops) on campuses aimed at eliciting positive changes in attitude, the Guidance and Counseling services of the University should consider utilizing various channels (other than the traditional face-to-face counseling) through which undergraduates can interact and seek counsel, especially when faced with pressures relating to sex and undergraduates should endevour to be discrete in relation to premarital sex, as it often comes with attendant consequences.