CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MARITAL SEX AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the causes and consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Ondo State, Nigeria. Based on the purpose of this study three research questions were raised and six research hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The total population for the study was two hundred (200) secondary school students in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire which was designed by the researcher. Descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for this study. The data collected were presened in tables and analyzed using frequency counts, mean, t-test and ANOVA.The findings of this study revealed that peer pressure(¯x=2.84),neglect by parent (¯x=2.64), inadequate knowledge on the consequences of unprotected premarital sex(¯x=2.99),having close friends who are married(¯x=2.98),indecent dressing(¯x=3.06),educational background of parents(¯x=3.17),,poor parental and guardians' upbringing(¯x=2.76),curiosity and social information at the disposal of student(¯x=2.91),sexual advance from teachers(¯x=2.79)and desire to get financial and other materials(¯x=2.77)were some the causes of pre-maritaI sex among secondary school students. Also, drop out from school(¯x=2.72),lack of commitment to spirituality(¯x=283),unwanted pregnancy(¯x=260),sexually transmitted diseases(¯x=2.84)antisocial behaviour(¯x=2.93),abortion and loss of live(¯x=2.78),prostitution(¯x=2.92)ancontraction of diseases and health complications(¯x=2.99)were some the consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students The study suggest that providing constant(¯=counseling for all students(¯=2.88),monitoring the kind of friends students associate with 3.03), encouraging decent dressing(¯x=3.22),preventing students from watching programmes rated18+ on televsion (¯x=3.19),and providing students with adequate and relevant information regarding sexuality and reproductive health(¯x=3.09)were some of the measures that can be taken in curbing pre-marital sex among secondary school students. Furthermore,there is no significant difference in the view of male and female students on the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students[(198)=0.543;p>0.05]. There is no significant difference in the view of male and female students on the consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students[t(198)=1.233;p>0.05].There is no significant difference in the view of public and private school students on the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students[t(198)=1.112;p>0.05]. There is no significant difference in the opinion of public and private school students on the consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students[t(198)=0.588;p>0.05].There is no significant difference in the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students on the basis of students' age [F(199)=0.740;p>0.05]. There is no significant difference in the consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students on the basis of students' age [F(199)=0.578;p>005 The study recommends among others that teachers and principals should ensure that sex education should be given to students on a regularly basis. Parents should ensure that their children are not allowed to watch television programmes rated 18+. Parents should ensure that their children especially the females are properly dressed before going out. The government should make ensure that professional guidance and counselors are employed in all secondary schools in order to give proper counseling to the students. Students are encouraged to stay away from any content rated 18+