Abstract

This study examined the effect of family characteristics and parental status on adolescents’ sexual behavior in Okun land of Kogi State. Data were obtained from male and female adolescents in ten Government Secondary Schools among the Okun-Yoruba tribe of Kogi State. The Okun-Yorubas occupied five LGAs of the state. Two schools were selected from each of the LGAs. In all, 781 copies of questionnaire were distributed and 768 were retrieved from respondents. This sample responded to a semi-structured questionnaire which contained both open and closed ended questions on sexual activities among adolescents as facilitated by family and parental background and activities. The findings reveal that adolescents’ sexual behaviors are affected by their family or parental sexual life style, income and education level, tutelage, etc. Association between adolescents’ sexual behavior and parental indices as mentioned above were tested using the Chi-square test. The t-test was used to determine the significance of the findings while Cramer’s V value was used to test the strength of the associations. Results of the Chi-square tests were corroborated by focus group discussion and In-depth interview conducted among respondents and teachers. This allows for triangulation among responses gathered. Conclusions were drawn based on the findings and recommendations proffered.

Key words: Family, socialization, adolescents, social stratification, sexual behavior.