The Causes and Consequences of Pre-Marital Sex Among Secondary School Students in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State

This study investigated the causes, consequences and implications of pre-marital sex among
secondary school students in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state.descriptive research
survey design, the study was guided by four research questions and corresponding null
hypotheses. The population for the current study is made up of all senior secondary school
students (SSS 2) in the 18 public secondary schools in Nsukka local government area of Enugu
state within the 2023/2024 academic session. The population is estimated at 33,260 (Enugu State
Senior Secondary Schools Board, 2023). A sample of 200 secondary school class (SS2) students
were used for the study. Simple random sampling technique by balloting. One instrument was
used for the study. They are Causes, Consequences and Implications of Pre-marital Sex
Questionnaire (CCIPMS). The validity of the instrument was done by the project supervisor and
two specialists in Measurement and Evaluation. Reliability of the instrument using Cronbach
Alpha yielded a coefficient of 0.76 respectively. Simple regression was used to answer research
questions while Hypotheses was tested with ANOVA associated with simple regression. All the
hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significant alpha. The results showed that prevalence, causes, and
consequences of Pre-marital sex significantly influence secondary school students in Nsukka
local government area of Enugu state. It was recommended that Counsellors should create
greater awareness on the influence of different parental attachment pattern and its relationship on
pre-marital sex, and encourage them to try and avoid pre-marital sex. The school should
endeavour to collaborate with the home to ensure, promote a holistic development of the child.
Effort should be made by school authorities to understand how the family background of
students in the development of self-efficacy and it influence their behaviours. This would help
them provide needed help to students who need it.