Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention and Risky Sexual Behaviour among Youths during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Osun State, Nigeria

Introduction: COVID -19 hit at the peak of 2020 in Nigeria and brought about the implementation of measures such as bounds, social distancing, and lockdown to curb the spread of the ravaging virus. Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) remained a major predictor of sexually transmitted Infections including HIV. Understanding the changing pattern of sexual behaviour may give some insight into the pathological behaviour, so that possible remediation measures can be taken, putting into consideration young people. We determined the rate of RSB, level of compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures and identified the factors influencing RSB among youths during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among youths aged 15 to 24 years (n=421) in Osogbo, Osun state. Demographic information, history of sexual activities, compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures were captured using an electronic data collection tool (Kobo toolbox). The outcome variable was RSB (having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom-use with casual sexual partners, alcohol, and drug use for sexual practices). Descriptive statistics were presented with frequency and percentage. Test of association (chi square) and binary logistic regression were done using Stata MP 16.

Results: There were 229(54.4%) males in this study, 2.1% had poor health rating, and all the respondents 421(100%) reported having heard about COVID-19. Only 24(5.7%) had high compliance, 204(48.5%) had moderate, 168(39.9%) had low compliance, 25 (5.9%) had no form of compliance to COVID-19 prevention measures. There was a high (20.7%) level of RSB among youths. Age 20-24 years (AOR= 7.23, 95%CI: 2.57-20.33) and good health rating (AOR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.16–5.31) were associated with the likelihood of RSB. Also, Muslims (AOR= 0.26, P=0.020, 95%CI: 0.09-0.81), Yoruba ethnic group (AOR=0.31, 95%CI:0.11–0.89), Youths who have attained Secondary education (AOR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.04-0.40) and tertiary education (AOR:0.14, P=0.001, 95%CI: 0.04-0.45) were less likely to practice RSB.

Conclusion: This study revealed a poor level of compliance with COVID-19 prevention and a high level of RSB among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk communication and education targeted at older youths (20-24 years), religious gatherings, and youths having below secondary education will be required in improving compliance and lowering RSB among youths.