LAUSR

This study investigated the factors associated with early sexual debut, consensual sexual debut and multiple sexual partners in tertiary institutions in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with a proportional sampling method. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents. Four hundred and thirty-three questionnaires were deemed eligible for data analysis. Chi-square, t-test and binary logistic regression were utilised to analyse the data. It was found that respondents who attended private secondary schools were more likely to have early sexual debut (X2= 3.076; p <0.05). There was no significant difference in the age at sexual debut for respondents from nuclear and extended families (M.D = - 0.377). Females were less likely to experience consensual sexual debut than their male counterparts (OR=0.469; p <0.01). Also, early sexual debut influenced exposure to multiple sexual partners- those who delayed sex till age 22 were the least likely to be exposed (OR= 0.056; p <0.001). Adequate sex education of young people-beginning at early years- before their sexual debut is important for improved sexual health.