Adolescents High Risk Sexual Behaviour. Implicatons for Counselling

ADOLESCENTS’ HIGH-RISK SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING Dr. Aneke, Cordelia Ijeoma [e-mail] & Dr. Anya, Chidimma Adamma [e-mail] Department of Educational Foundations University Of Lagos Abstract
Adolescent sexuality has been viewed from a negative perspective due in part to the adolescent’s high-risk sexual behaviour and its associated unpalatable outcomes. The paper aims at identifying the relative causes and consequences of adolescents’ high-risk sexual behaviour among SS2 students of selected secondary schools in Enugu State metropolis. The sample consisted of 150 SS2 students randomly selected from three schools from Enugu East Local Government Areas (LGAs). A researcher-constructed Questionnaire was used to collect data to test two hypotheses formulated for the study. The data was tested with Pearsons product moment and a t-test statistics. The findings show that there is a significant relationship between adolescence high-risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to STIs as well as a significant gender differences in their risky sexual behaviour. It was recommended that intervention programmes from counsellors, parents, and stakeholders are needed as remedy. Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual abuse, risky-sexual behaviours, STIs Introduction
From Aristotle 's early treatises on sexual desire to Sigmund Freud 's theories of psychosocial development, adolescent sexuality has been a controversial topic for virtually every generation. As the 21st century unfolds, society will continue to be challenged by adolescent sexual behaviour and its consequences (Forcier & Garofalo, 2012). Although healthcare givers often discuss adolescent sexuality in terms of "risk", it is important to remember that sexuality, sexual behaviours, and sexual relationships are very important part of human development. As children emerge into adolescence, their developing gender identity shapes whom they interact and associate with, especially their peers who weld a lot of influence on them (Omoegun,1998). Kohlberg’s theory of moral development states that moral thinking changes as the children mature. Also, at the onset of puberty, sexual feelings increases with the development of sex glands and organs, hence the adolescent require information relating to sexuality. Parents and teachers are expected to take cognisance of these changes thereby assist them to shape their beliefs on sexual matters.
Adolescence as one of the most important stages in life has been defined as the transitional phase of human growth and development, a stage between the childhood and adulthood where a juvenile individual matures to an adult. This period has been identified to consist of dramatic transformations accompanied by several physiological, sexual behavioural, emotional and psychological changes; depressions, anxiety, restlessness and several other obsessions are reasonably observable during adolescence (Omoegun,1998).
This transition stage, between the ages of 10 to 19 by World Health Organization (WHO),13 to 19(US) and 12 to 21 (Brown, Berrier & Russel,2000), put the adolescent in a dilemma of how to adhere to the societal expectations. Thus, they are confronted with numerous developmental and adjustments challenges, whereby sex issues are the most prominent challenge (Omoegun, 1998).
During this stage the adolescents are very curious about the opposite sex and sexual craze is highly developed which often leads to several undesirable challenges. Olugbenger, Adebimpe & Abodunrin (2009) assert that, majority of these teenagers over express their sexual desires; engage in a spectrum of sexual behaviours ranging from fantasy and self- stimulation to various forms of intercourse. This group of individuals are often known to be adventurous and sometimes engage in lesbianism, homosexuality, and sexual orgies because they want to experiment. It was observed that the early-maturing adolescents engage in early sexual experimentation than the later-maturing adolescents. They confront their emerging sexuality at younger ages than their peers do, and are more likely to be pursued by older peers in social settings because they appear physically older than their chronological age.
Moreover, risk for early sexual experimentation is associated with other high-risk behaviours in adolescence, including sexual abuse, drug & alcohol use, and emotional adjustment. Peer pressure to engage in adult-like activities can encourage adolescents to engage in various levels of sexual experimentation.
Adolescents who engage in sexual experimentation are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDs, pregnancy and abortions. Teenage mothers suffer a lot of complications during delivery which in most cases result in high morbidity and mortality for both mother and infants.
High-risk sexual behaviour was defined by the number of partners with whom adolescents had intercourse without condom, since having multiple sex partners without using condoms put adolescents at risk. So many factors are contributory to this risk behaviour, which among others are the negative media images, the internet, which promote lustful, irresponsible sexual behaviour. Again, the risky sexual behaviours are often complicated by high school dropout, parental abuse, battering, social stigmatization, child abandonment and child abuse among others.
Several studies showed that increased use of alcohol and drugs at younger ages was related to subsequent riskier sexual activity and delinquent behaviour.
Adolescence, a period of “stress and storm” is the transition phase between childhood and adulthood. The most turbulent stage of human development because it is characterized by physical and physiological changes (Omoegun, 1998).

Puente & Zabaleta (2011) report that the period of adolescence coincides with a surge of sexual interest which results from such factors as, physical body change, hormonal increase, increase in social emphasis on sex and the adolescent’s necessary rehearsal for adult roles. These changes propel the intense preoccupation with sexual exploration and experimentation. These sex-crazed and hormone driven individuals get involved in a lot of high-risk sexual behaviour which are detrimental to them, their families and the society.

High-risk Sexual Behaviours
Engagement in sexual behaviour is considered to be a high-risk behaviour for youths because of the potential physical and socio- emotional risks they present. Adolescents may not be aware of the social and emotional implications of sexual activity, and majority do not use safe sexual practices. High-risk sexual behaviour was defined by some number of partners with whom adolescents had intercourse without condom, which puts adolescents at risk for contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. According to Charine Glen-Spyron (2009), responsible sexual behaviour such as: delaying initiation of sexual intercourse, choosing caring and respectful partners, increasing the use of condoms, and using effective contraception among others are important public health issue which should be disseminated to these adolescents.
In a survey carried out by De Guzman & Bosch (2005) reported that, among those who engaged in sex, only 63% report having used a condom during their last intercourse and 17% report using alternative methods of birth control. It is important to note that involvement in unprotected sex exacerbates risks because of its resultant effect of STIs and unwanted pregnancy. These scholars assert that approximately half of the 19 million new STI cases diagnosed per year are of youth ages 15-19; and 13% of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses are of youth ages 13-24.
Teen pregnancy is both a possible effect of risky behaviours as well as a risk factor in itself. This has been linked to higher rates of school dropout, as well as other socio-emotional risks. In U.S. teen pregnancy have declined over the last few years and presently is approximately 7.5 % for girls between the ages of 15 and 19, which is 36% lower than in 1990. Nonetheless, this rate remains the highest in all of the other developed countries such as Canada, Germany and Japan among others (Gutmacher Institute, 2006).
The world is particular about the spread of STIs especially the pandemic ravaging HIV/AIDs on humanity, hence the United States Healthy People 2020 goals, include improved pregnancy planning and spacing; prevention of unintended pregnancy; promotion of healthy sexual behaviours; and increased access to quality services to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and their complications. The World Health Organization (WHO), and other agencies interested in international health also, identify adolescent-friendly health services as a worldwide priority with 70 percent of more than 1 billion youth (10 to 19 years) living in developing countries.
If parents and mentors are aware of the risk factors and warning signs, connected technology can help them promote healthy behaviour and intervene before dangerous behaviour occurs. The risk factors include: * Bipolar Disorder * Sexually permissive parental values. * Drug and alcohol abuse. * Single-parent family. * Exclusive dating relationship. * History of sexual abuse. * Gender & Age—adolescent females are more susceptible to certain STI’s because of the developing cells in the immature cervix. * Unprotected sex. * Multiple sex partners. * Depression.
Gender difference on risky sexual behaviours
Studies by Faide Garrilo,.J., Laeiras, F. M., Bimbela Pedrola, J.L.,Practica, S.D.C., & Chicas, E (2008) found that males tend to have more sexual partners than females, and they also use condoms less frequently than females during vaginal intercourse.
Researchers such as Olugbenga-Bello, Adebimpe & Abodurin (2009) reported high rates of pre-marital sexual activities among Nigerian adolescents. In their studies on adolescents sexual risk behaviours in Nigeria, 16% of teenage females reported first sexual intercourse by age 15 while among young women of ages 20 to 24, nearly half (49.4%) reported first sex by age 18. Also, among teenage males, 8.3% reported first sex by age 15 while among those ages 20 to 24, 36.3% reported first sexual intercourse by age 18. Statement of the problem
The most turbulent state of human development is agreeably the adolescent stage. Among their numerous delinquent behaviours are their involvements in all forms of indiscriminate sexual escapades leading to their exposure to infections such as sexual transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and unwanted pregnancies, abortions or deaths. These adolescents are sex-crazed, hormone driven individuals whose sexuality has been viewed negatively as inappropriate and troublesome rather than normal and healthy. The prevalence of their risky sexual behaviours among others has increased drastically in recent times. They are found in different areas of the country around the streets in secluded places at night engaging in sexual activities. This menace is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society and its effects are detrimental to the adolescent’s health and psychological wellbeing as it affects the society. This condition if not controlled may lead to complete breakdown of the moral value of the society as it permeates the entire nation. This study therefore is imperative.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of adolescents’ high-risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and to ascertain the gender differences if any, of adolescents high – risk sexual behaviour.
Hypotheses
Two hypotheses were generated for this study:
Ho1: There is no significant relationship between adolescents high – risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Ho2: Adolescents involvement in high-risk sexual behaviour does not depend on their gender.

Methods
The research design was a descriptive survey. A simple sampling technique was employed for the study and the population comprised of all senior secondary schools II students in public schools in Enugu metropolis during the 2012/ 2013 academic year. The sampling procedure used was stratified sampling. Stratification was based on Local Government Area (LGAs), where the schools are located. It is believed that the procedure enhanced the emergence of representative sample. The sample comprised a total of 150 students randomly selected from three secondary Schools from the six LGAs in Enugu East Senatorial Zone. Seventy-five males and Seventy-five females were selected from the three schools chosen. The ages ranged from 13 – 16 years. Data was collected using a 20-item researcher constructed instrument. The questionnaire is a 3- point scale ranging from Yes, No & unsure.
The questionnaire was divided into two sections; section A measured the biographic data of the adolescents while section B measured the sexual behaviour of the students, the validation of the instrument was through submitting items to two experts in measurement to ensure content and construct validity. A pilot testing of the instrument was later done to ensure reliability of the instrument.
Data Analysis Hypothesis one states that there is no significant relationship between adolescents’ high – risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Table 1: Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient of adolescents’ high risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to STIs. Group | N | Mean | SD | df | r-cal. | r-crit. | Sexual Behaviour | 150 | 28.65 | 4.73 | 148 0.74 0.062 | Exposure to STIs | 150 | 27.64 | 4.85 | |

The results on table 1, indicate a calculated r- value of 0.74 greater than the r- critical of 0.062 at 0.05 level of significance. This shows that the null hypothesis is rejected, which means that there is a strong positive correlation between adolescent high risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to STIs.
Hypothesis two states that adolescent’s involvement in high risk sexual behaviour do not depend on their gender.
Table 2: Independent t-test of adolescents’ gender and their involvement in high risk sexual behaviour. Group | N | Mean | SD | df | t-cal. | t-crit. | Sexual Behaviour | 75 | 30.86 | 3.95 | 74 8.8 1.98 | Exposure to STIs | 75 | 27.34 | 3.77 | |

The result on table 2 shows a t- value of 8.8 greater than t - critical of 1.98, at 0.05 level of significance. This shows that the null hypothesis is rejected, which means that the adolescent involvement in high risk sexual behaviour cuts across gender.
Discussion
Hypothesis one found that there is a significant difference between adolescents high risk sexual behaviour and their exposure to STIs. This finding supports earlier studies by De Guzman and Bosch (2005), Olugbenga, A.I, Adebimpe, W.O, and Abodunrin O.L (2009) who reported that many adolescents’ studied were sexually active, have multiple sex partners and engage in unprotected sex.
The reason for this may emanate from negative media images, the internet, which promotes lustful responsible sexual behaviour. Secondly, the risky sexual behaviours are often complicated by parental abuse, battering, social stigmatisation, child abandonment among others.
Hypothesis two found that there is a significant gender difference in high risk sexual behaviour of adolescents. This finding is also supported by the reports of Faide and Teval et al (2008) who found that male adolescents tend to have more sexual partners than females and they also tend to use condoms less frequently than females during intercourse. In other words, at any given adolescent age, risky sexual behaviour is more likely among males than females. But in another study carried out by Olugbenga et al (2009), they found out that 16% of teenage females reported first sexual intercourse by age 15 while among young women of ages 20 to 24, nearly half (49.4%) reported first sex by age 18. Also, among teenage males, 8.3% reported first sex by age 15 while among those ages 20 to 24, 36.3% reported first sexual intercourse by age 18.
This could be attributed to the fact that in Nigeria or in Africa on the whole females mature earlier than males and come to the knowledge of sex before their male counterparts. Conclusion
Adolescence is a unique period of the lifespan. It is full of changes and challenges, but also of growth and opportunities. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to high-risk sexual behaviours, so parents and other concerned adults need to support youth as they go through this period.
The process surrounding high-risk behaviours can be complex, and often it is not enough just to tell a child to ‘say no’ to engaging in these behaviours. Risk-behaviour prevention must cover a wide range of issues that adolescents face in order to be most effective. Parents and community organizations must address issues such as family violence, poverty, psychiatric illness, poor interpersonal skills, learning deficits and the dysfunctional development that might be associated with such behaviours. Parents must clearly express their expectations, and must help equip youth to assess risks, to be assertive, and to have the self-esteem and forbearance to withstand external pressures that might push them towards behaviours that lead to negative outcomes.
Implications for Counselling
The implication of the finding of this study is that there is need to create awareness of the consequences of high-risk sexual behaviours as it affects the early-adolescents found especially among secondary schools where counselling facilities are provided.
The sex-crazed adolescents require the assistance of well meaning adults, guidance counsellors, teachers and parents who are genuinely committed to their successful development (Omoegun, 1998). Their attitude towards sex has a significant influence on the spread of STIs especially HIV/AIDS, hence the need for counselling services in all our secondary and tertiary institutions.
Apart from STIs contractions, unwanted pregnancies and abortions which plague this group of individuals should also be checked through counselling. It is a known fact that adolescents receive most of their information about sexuality from peers, which often leads to misinformation. They need structured formal and informal learning environments with age-appropriate programs to address issues of sexuality. These models may be available within school and community-based. Most pregnancy prevention programs fall within three categories: * Knowledge interventions, * Access to contraception, and * Programmes to enhance life options.
Crockett & Chopack (2007) suggest three categories of programmes: programmes that focus on sexual antecedents, programmes that focus on nonsexual antecedents and programmes that focus on a combination of both sexual and nonsexual antecedents. Programmes that focus on sexual antecedents directly target sexual behaviour and often focus on reducing sexual activity, minimizing the number of sexual partners, and contraceptive use. Programmes that focus on nonsexual antecedents indirectly target sexual activity by focusing on other outcomes, such as academic achievement, youth development (including leadership skills), and service-learning models.
Parents need to provide supportive learning environments in which children can develop a healthy understanding of their sexuality, particularly during their adolescent years. Adolescence represents a time of fundamental change, as adolescents are introduced to new reproductive capacities that have to be understood cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
Recommendations
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Several studies have disproved the myth that, “sex education teaches youth to have sex and promotes premature sexual behaviour”, according to WHO 's Global Programme on AIDS. The studies confirmed that: * Sex education led to a delay in the onset of sexual activity or to a decrease in the number of sexual encounters; * Youth who were already sexually active adopted safer practices after receiving sex education; * Programmes advocating both postponement of sexual intercourse as well as condom use when sex occurs were more effective than those that only promoted abstinence; * Sexuality education is most effective if begun before the onset of sexual activity; * Access to counselling and contraceptive services did not encourage earlier or increased sexual activity.
What parents and educators can do to delay sexual activity amongst adolescents?
• Alert parents to speak with their teens about sex.
• Teachers can advise parents to display their disapproval of sexual activity since it may sway a teen’s decision and can delay the experience.
• Though sex education has been a part of curriculum for years, abstinence only programs are slowly disappearing.
• Some educators and school officials believe that abstinence-only programmes “violate students’ rights, embrace sexist stereotypes, isolate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, and promulgate religious views.”
• Avoiding abstinence only curricula will decrease the percentage of students receiving false and misleading information.
• Whose kids? Our kids! Recommends that adults should explain that sexuality is more than physical intercourse.
• Encourage teens to talk about the issue and ask questions regarding this issue.
• Practice with teens how to handle sexual pressure scenarios
• Adults should always try to remain cool and collected when speaking to teens about sex.
• Adults need to make it known to teens that they are not being judged.
• Adolescents should know that parents and teachers are here to help and guide them.

* Youth who were already sexually active adopted safer practices after receiving sex education; * Programmes advocating both postponement of sexual intercourse as well as condom use when sex occurs were more effective than those that only promoted abstinence; * Sexuality education is most effective if begun before the onset of sexual activity; * Access to counselling and contraceptive services did not encourage earlier or increased sexual activity.

References
Brown,J.M.,Berrier,P,K.,& Russel,O.L (2000) Applied psychology.Macmillian, USA 101-111
Charine Glen-Spyron .(2009). Risky sexual behaviour in adolescence. Washington: Prime Press

Crockett, L., & Chopak, J. S. (1993). "Pregnancy prevention in early adolescence: A developmental Perspective." In Early Adolescence: Perspectives on Research, Policy, and Intervention, ed. Richard Lerner. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Faide Garrilo,.J., Laeiras, F. M., Bimbela Pedrola, J.L.,Practica, S.D.C., & Chicas, E (2008).Gender differences in sexual behaviour among adolescents in Catalonia, Spain: Gac.

Forcier, M., & Garofalo, R.,(2012). Adolescent sexuality. Wolters Kluwer Health Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.update.com/contents/adolescent sexuality

Guttmacher Institute (2006): U.S. Teenage pregnancy statistics: National and State trends and trends by race and ethnicity. Alan Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY.

De Guzman, M.R., & Bosch, R. R., (2005). Nebraska Adolescents: The results of the youth risk behaviour survey. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/srd/05-yrbs.pdf.

Olugbenga-Bello, A.I., Adebimpe, W. O. & Abodurin O. L. (2009). Sexual risk behaviour among in- school adolescents in public secondary schools south-western city in Nigeria. International Journal of Health Research. 2(3); 241-245.

Omoegun, M. O.(1998). The adolescent and you. Lagos: Babs Sheriff & Co Ltd.

Puente & Zabaleta, E.(2011). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of health and human service. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance.

References: Brown,J.M.,Berrier,P,K.,& Russel,O.L (2000) Applied psychology.Macmillian, USA 101-111 Charine Glen-Spyron .(2009). Risky sexual behaviour in adolescence. Washington: Prime Press Crockett, L., & Chopak, J. S. (1993). "Pregnancy prevention in early adolescence: A developmental Perspective." In Early Adolescence: Perspectives on Research, Policy, and Intervention, ed. Richard Lerner. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Faide Garrilo,.J., Laeiras, F. M., Bimbela Pedrola, J.L.,Practica, S.D.C., & Chicas, E (2008).Gender differences in sexual behaviour among adolescents in Catalonia, Spain: Gac. Forcier, M., & Garofalo, R.,(2012). Adolescent sexuality. Wolters Kluwer Health Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.update.com/contents/adolescent sexuality Guttmacher Institute (2006): U.S. Teenage pregnancy statistics: National and State trends and trends by race and ethnicity. Alan Guttmacher Institute, New York, NY. De Guzman, M.R., & Bosch, R. R., (2005). Nebraska Adolescents: The results of the youth risk behaviour survey. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/srd/05-yrbs.pdf. Olugbenga-Bello, A.I., Adebimpe, W. O. & Abodurin O. L. (2009). Sexual risk behaviour among in- school adolescents in public secondary schools south-western city in Nigeria. International Journal of Health Research. 2(3); 241-245. Omoegun, M. O.(1998). The adolescent and you. Lagos: Babs Sheriff & Co Ltd. Puente & Zabaleta, E.(2011). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of health and human service. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance.