Pattern of Risky Sexual Behaviour and Associated Health Implications Among Adolescents in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area

This study investigated the pattern of risky sexual behaviours and associated health implications among adolescents in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The research design employed in this study was a population-based cross-sectional design. The study population was 1,132,160, which comprised all adolescents aged 10–19 years in Obio/Akpor LGA, and a sample size of 400 was selected using Cochran’s formula. The data collection instrument was a self-administered questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including frequency, percentage, SD, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test set at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The results showed that risky sexual behaviours are prevalent among adolescents with a grand mean of 1.55. There was a low extent of physical and social health implications resulting from risky sexual behaviours (M = 1.42 1.50, M = 1.61 > 1.50, M = 1.56, respectively). Risky sexual behaviours are prevalent among adolescents in Obio/Akpor LGA Rivers State, with many engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple partnerships, and early sexual initiation. The study recommended that schools, religious institutions, and community leaders should intensify sexual education programs to address adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes toward sexual behaviours.