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By O.A. Olasode, MBBCH, FWACP
Introduction
Nigeria’s population is currently estimated at 124,009,000 with 43.65% of the population below the age of 15. Population density is 353 per sq. metre1 The chief religions practiced in Nigeria are Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs. Nigeria also shares in the global burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic with a prevalence rate of between 2-10% depending on the geopolitical zone being considered2. The world Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one out of 20 adolescents contacts a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year in Africa. Persons 15-30years of age are the most sexually active and constitute a large proportion of the population of most developing countries. Sexual activity before the age of 20 years is common among unmarried African youths making them vulnerable to STDs including HIV/AIDS. While other STDs can be treated, HIV/AIDS currently has no cure.
In fact, developing countries with their poor health infrastructure, limited health personnel and low income status are ill prepared to combat the AIDS epidemic. In places were drugs and support services are made available, the problem of drug adherence, drug resistance and side effects are areas that still need attention. With all these threats to the sexual and reproductive health of young people, prevention of STDs/HIV/AIDS becomes a welcome and practical alternative.
It is generally believed that people as well as their actions are highly influenced by their spiritual convictions. It is also known that most religions in Africa encourage abstinence. Premarital and extramarital sexual activities are discouraged. Chaste and traditional value systems are promoted. The extent to which these religious systems influence the sexual behavior of young people is the question that this survey aims to address. Currently in Nigeria, there is an on-going debate regarding whether sexuality education and counseling should be given prominence in the churches. One question that also arises is whether religious doctrines and precepts can influence the behaviour of young people and play a role in protecting them from STDs including HIV/AIDS? Are the young people in the churches sexually active?
Survey of Pentecostal Youths
Questionnaires were administered on 150 Christian youth believed to have become ‘born again’ in a respected Pentecostal church. The experience of becoming ‘born again’ is meant to imbue the Christian convert with the power to overcome sin. Hence the ‘born again’ Christian convert is expected to conform to Biblical injunctions, including the call to chastity and abstinence from sexual intercourse till marriage. Respondents were called upon to be honest with the answers they provided so that service could be provided in areas of identified need. Respondents were also aware that if they responded to the questionnaire, their identity would not be disclosed.
Results of Survey
90% of the youths were unmarried and aged between 15-30years. There was no gender preponderance. 50% were students, 20% were working or learning a trade while the remaining 30% were unemployed or awaiting admission to higher institutions. 97.3% of the respondents had been ‘born again’ for periods ranging between 1-10years. 52% were from polygamous home settings and 29% were from homes where parents were separated. 38.6% received their first sexual education from friends. 54% admitted previous sexual exposures usually with peer partners. Majority of these encounters occurred while respondents were below the age of 20. Condom use was poor and there was documentation of previous procured abortions. 30% of respondents were ashamed to discuss sexual issues but 60% would welcome sexual counseling if services were made available.
Conclusion/Recommendations
The sexual behavior of the study group did not appear to have been greatly influenced by their religious attestations Increasing sexual drive with advancing adolescent age and lack of counseling and other youth-focused services appear to be a major factor.
There is deep-seated adult discomfort, and there are taboos surrounding discussion of sexuality with young people. This tends to be greater in religious settings. Thus, youth in such settings often get their information from wrong sources. Yet, these youth are continually bombarded by a mass media that portrays sexuality as desirable, and they often face peer pressure that encourages experimentation. Added to this, the increasing access to the internet tends to further confuse the uninformed mind.
The anxieties expressed by the young respondents deserve honest and accurate answers from parents, teachers, health professionals and their spiritual leaders. Information provided youth in religious settings, for example in sermons need to be more practical and reflect current realities. Adults who have authority over, or who care for youth, need to be role models for their wards. Youths in the churches and other religious settings also require care and one-on-one counseling.
Present day realities including economic hardships, poverty, homelessness and family disputes may force young people into relationships that expose them to sexual abuse. They may be coerced into sexual intercourse in exchange for money necessary for acquiring basic needs. Within religious settings, youth-friendly services with trained and experienced counselors are indispensable in ensuring healthy sexuality for young people.
References
The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2004, World Almanac Education Group, St. Martins Press, USA. Edited by Kelvin Seabrooke, Eric C Gopel and Christopher Lason
WHO Newsletter; Quarterly Bulletin of the World Health Organization (WHO) Lagos, Nigeria ISSN 0794-5884 Vol. 16 No. 3 Dec.2001
*O.A. Olasode is teaches at Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
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