Knowledge, perpetration, experience, and perceived self-efficacy of sexual coercion among in-school adolescents in Osun state, Nigeria

Sexual coercion among adolescents is a significant public health issue. The study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge, perpetration, experiences, and perceived self-efficacy of SC among adolescents. The study was conducted among 192 in-school adolescents in Osun State. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted using a validated self-assisted semi-structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting eligible respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Univariate analyses were presented in tables and charts and bivariate analyses assessed the relationship between variables at ≤0.05 p-value. Most respondents (76.4%), were between 15 and 19 years old. Majority (69%) respondents reported to have never heard of SC and only 29.3% had good knowledge of SC. Similarly, 28.7% and 34% had ever perpetrated and experienced SC. The perceived self-efficacy of respondents was low as only 5.7% reported being very confident in preventing SC. A significant difference was noted between the socio-demographic characteristics (parents’ occupation and education, geographical location, religion, and living status) of respondents and their knowledge (0.026), experience (0.041), and perpetration (0.00–0.045) of SC. The study also provides evidence that males and females can perpetrate SC and are both at risk of its occurrence from closely related persons, especially in schools and homes. Study participants were less knowledgeable about SC despite a fairly high prevalence of perpetration, experience, and low confidence regarding prevention. Thus, this study would guide policymakers and public health specialists toward appropriate and more inclusive interventions. • Public Health Concern: Study tackles sexual coercion among adolescents in Nigeria. • Low Awareness: 69 % of respondents had never heard of sexual coercion (SC). • Prevalence Rates: Findings show 28.7 % perpetration and 34 % experience of SC. • Gender Risks: Both males and females face risks of SC in close relationships. • Intervention: Suggest inclusive policies to improve SC knowledge and self-efficacy.