Sexual Behaviour and Health Risks among Unmarried Adolescent Girls in Nigerian IDP Camps: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Internal displacement (ID) places women and especially unmarried adolescent girls in heightened vulnerability of sexual exploitation and other forms of gender-based violence. In the wake of increasing displacement due to violent conflict in Nigerian communities, we evaluated the sexual behaviour and associated determinants among unmarried adolescents in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in North central, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional design, using a structured questionnaire to survey 75 older adolescent girls aged 15–19 years living in six IDP camps across Abuja, Benue, and Plateau States. Data was analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 23.0, using Chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify predictors of sexual initiation among the respondents. p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Among respondents, 42.7% of participants had initiated sexual intercourse, with a mean (SD) age of debut at 16.6 ±1.5years. Over half (53.1%) of these instances occurred after displacement and 81.3% of these were unprotected intercourse. Older adolescents (aged 17–19 years) and those not currently attending school were more likely to have initiated sexual activity  (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A significant proportion of internally displaced female adolescents have initiated sexual activity, majority of which are unprotected. This study highlights the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health services among displaced populations.