Causes and Consequences of Premarital Sex among Secondary School Students in Awka Education Zone, Anambra State, Nigeria

Authors: Francisca Uju Udeagha; Kizito Arinze Agha; Didacus Chima Ilo; Rejoice Kodichukwumma Ikenwa; Christopher Onyema Odo

Affiliation: Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State Nigeria

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

July 3, 2026

SIAR-Global Journal of Humanities, Management & Educational Review

Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21164299

Crossref DOI: 10.66694/siar.gjhmer20262001

Causes and Consequences of Premarital Sex among Secondary School Students in Awka Education Zone, Anambra State, Nigeria
Research Article Multidisciplinary

Abstract

Premarital sex among secondary school students remains a pressing social and public health concern in Nigeria, with documented consequences for academic achievement, physical health, and psychosocial well-being. This study investigated the causes and consequences of premarital sex among secondary school students in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State, and examined the counselling strategies available for managing the problem. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population comprised all 65 school counsellors in public secondary schools across the five Local Government Areas in Awka Education Zone; including Awka North, Awka South, Aniocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia. Census sampling was adopted and all 65 counsellors served as the study sample. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire (QCCPS) with a Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84, and analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that peer pressure, exposure to pornographic materials, parental inadequacy, and poverty were the leading causes of premarital sex, while unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and school dropout constituted the most severe consequences. Individual and group counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and sex education were rated as the most effective management strategies. The study recommends strengthened school counselling services, structured sex education, parental engagement, and multi-agency collaboration.

Keywords

premarital sex, secondary school students, causes, consequences, counselling strategies, Awka Education Zone, adolescent sexual behaviour

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How to Cite

Francisca Uju Udeagha; Kizito Arinze Agha; Didacus Chima Ilo; Rejoice Kodichukwumma Ikenwa; Christopher Onyema Odo (2026). Causes and Consequences of Premarital Sex among Secondary School Students in Awka Education Zone, Anambra State, Nigeria. SIAR-Global Journal of Humanities, Management & Educational Review, Vol. 2, No. 2. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21164299

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Article Information

  • Type: Research Article
  • Journal: SIAR-Global Journal of Humanities, Management & Educational Review
  • Subject Area: Multidisciplinary
  • Published: July 3, 2026
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue: 2
  • Word Count: Not specified
  • DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21164299
  • Processing Fee: $50.00 USD

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