Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore the psycho-Social predictors of pre-marital sexual practices among in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State. Methods: A descriptive survey research design was conducted among in-school adolescents with 400 participants selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. The dependent variables were pre-marital sexual practices among in-school adolescents. The independent variables were age, gender, educational class level, self-esteem, peer group, parental involvement and religious background. The instrument for data collection was a semi- structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, T-test, and simple linear regression analysis. Results: The findings from the bivariate analysis show that age (p = 0.002), education (p = 0.018), and gender (p = 0.025), are significant and high predictors of in-school adolescents’ pre-marital sexual practices in Ebonyi State. The result of the t-test and simple linear regression revealed that self-esteem (β = 0.531; CI 95% = 0.376 to 0.519; P = 0.001 < 0.05); peer group (β = 0.443; CI 95% = 0.359 to 0.542; P = 0.010 < 0.05), religious background (β = 0.162; CI 95% = 0.060 - 0.245; P = 0.001 < 0.05); and family background (β = 0.483; CI 95% = 0.471 - 0.682; P = 0.020 < 0.05) were high predictors of in-school adolescents' pre-marital sexual practices in Ebonyi State. Conclusions: There is need for concerted effort among relevant stakeholders (parents, school authorities, religious leaders, and Ministry of education) at ensuring that the pre-marital sexual practices is prevented with special focus on the psycho-social predictors. Moreover, effective teaching of sexuality education in secondary schools should be prioritized. Keywords: Pre-marital, sexual practices, psycho-social predictors, in-school adolescents, Ebonyi State, Nigeria