The influence of parental support on the risky sexual behaviour of in-school female adolescents in low income communities in Ibadan

Adolescents engage early in Risky Sexual Behaviours (RSB), which put them at an increased risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies and abortions and social conditions. Level of parental support is said to have an influence on whether or not an adolescent will engage in RSB. This study was conducted to assess the influence of parental support on risky sexual behaviours among in-school female adolescent in low-income communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. This was a cross sectional survey conducted in July, 2021. Three hundred and sixty-one in-school adolescent girls aged 15–19 years old were selected by multistage sampling technique from six public secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis. A self-administered, semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on adolescents sexual behaviours and parental support. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests were used to test associations. Binary logistic regression analysis was also conducted at both unadjusted and adjusted levels to determine the influence of parental support on RSB while controlling for relevant socio-demographic variables. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean age of the respondent was 15.86 (SD 0.96) years. About one-fifth (18.6%) have had sexual intercourse and 11.9% had more than one sexual partner. The age at sexual debut was 14.7 ± 2.55years. Majority (65.7%) of the sexually active adolescents did not use condom in their last sexual intercourse. Relationship experience and apprenticeship status were significantly associated with RSB (p = 0.043 and p = 0.002, respectively). Adolescents who reported adequate parental support were less likely to engage in RSB (χ² = 3.10, p = 0.078). Logistic regression showed that adequate parental support was a protective factor against RSB, even after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. This study showed that adolescents were sexually active and engaged in risky sexual behaviours. The findings underscore the importance of parental involvement as a key factor in reducing RSB among adolescents.