Determinants of Sexual Coercion Among Adolescents in Rivers State

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are especially susceptible to sexual coercion. The factors that may affect the adolescent risk of engaging in coercive sex in Rivers State need to be further understood. We deemed it necessary to assess the factors influencing the experience of sexual coercion among adolescents in Rivers State.

Methods: A multi-staged sampling strategy was employed to survey 671 adolescents, complemented by eight focused group discussions (FGDS). Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26, while FGDs were analysed using a thematic and content analysis with Nvivo software version 11. The Chi-square (χ2) test was utilized to assess the association between explanatory factors and the occurrence of sexual coercion. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to assess the size and direction of the effects of predictors. Statistical tests were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 17.7 ± 1.3 years. About 356 (53.9%) were females, and 338 (50.4%) lived in rural areas. About 49 (7.3%) of the respondents had ever experienced sexual coercion 25 (51%) of them were rape cases. Sex of respondents, the importance of religion, currently working for pay, and alcohol use were associated with sexual coercion. Females were six or more times more likely to have experienced sexual coercion (aOR=6.37; 95% CI: 2.69-15.07, p=0.001) compared to males, and respondents who perceived religion as not important were three or more times more likely to have experienced sexual coercion compared to those perceived religious as important (aOR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.4-7.5, p=0.006).

Conclusion: Sex, and religious affiliation were identified predictors of sexual coercion. There is a need to contextualize appropriate sexual and reproductive health interventions that incorporate religiosity, value-based approach and collaborate with faith-based organizations, community leaders, and schools to safeguard adolescents against sexual coercion.