Premarital sexual activity among adolescents and young adults poses significant public health concerns, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where religious and cultural norms strongly discourage such behavior. Early and unprotected sexual activity increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and long-term reproductive health complications. In Maiduguri, a predominantly Muslim city in northeastern Nigeria, both Islamic and Christian teachings emphasize chastity before marriage, serving as a traditional deterrent to early sexual engagement. Nevertheless, demographic and behavioral shifts—including urbanization, exposure to Western media, and growing youth independence—have contributed to the increasing prevalence of premarital sex, often hidden due to societal stigma. Understanding these patterns is critical for designing effective interventions, including the strategic timing of human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization programs, which can reduce the incidence of HPV-related infections among adolescents. This study examines premarital sexual behavior in Maiduguri, highlighting the interplay between cultural, religious, and behavioral factors and their implications for public health planning and vaccination strategies
Lawan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.