Premarital Sex among Youths in Ezinihitte Mbaise and its Implications

Abstract

This study examines premarital sex from the aspect of its implications, highlighting the social factors and religious deficiencies that contributed to the premarital sexual activities of these youths, as well as the effects 
such untoward activity had on them and the society. Premised on the precaution - Adoption Process Model of Weinstein, as well as the use of sociological method, this is a method where the researchers study a number of individuals of different ages who have the same trait or characteristic of interest at a single time, or individuals or society are studied repeatedly over a specified period of time. The study was poised to meet the multiple challenges that youths are exposed to, factors that are capable of predisposing youths to premarital sex and the procedural precautions that are available to them. Results showed that the decision to initiate sexual activity that results to pregnancy and other related effects among these youths were influenced by many factors, including, peer pressure; social media; and inadequate sex education. As a result of the consequences, the youths experienced negative reactions from their families and community, and serious psychological and financial concerns about their prospects for future. A comprehensive community-based reproductive health program is called for with reliable sex education, cooperation from the mass media, and support from family and community members to salvage the situation is advocated. The social change implication of this study is to potentially lead to a decrease in premarital sex, social isolation, and poverty among youths-in Ezinihitte 
and Nigeria at large.