Abstract
Background: To combat the public health threat of risky sexual
behavior, this initiative targets out-of-school adolescents in Ibadan. It
leverages research findings to create targeted interventions addressing
key predictors like Fatalistic Belief and early sexual initiation, aiming to
reduce risks and strengthen coping skills.
Purpose of the Study: This study examined the influence of Fatalistic
Belief, Age of Sexual Initiation, and Religiousity on risky sexual conduct
among sexually active Out-of-school adolescents in Ibadan.
Methods: A multistage sampling process and a descriptive correlational
survey were used. Out-of-school adolescents (N = 287; 52.61% female,
47.39% male) aged 11 to 19 years old (M = 16.07, SD = 4.57) took part
in the study. Participants completed self-report measures, including the
Fatalistic Belief Questionnaire (α = 0.79), the General Religiosity Scale
(α = 0.87), and the Sexual Risk Behaviour Scale (α = 0.81).
Results: The results indicated a significant and positive link between
the age of sexual initiation and risky sexual behaviour among teenagers
who engaged in sexual activity outside of school. (r = .570; p.<05),
Fatalistic Belief (r = .593; p.<05), and Religiousity (r = .378; p.<05); the
multiple correlation coefficient of (R = 0.704, p<.05) and multiple
regression adjusted coefficient (R2 = 0.490). Fatalistic Belief (β = .422;
t = 9.122; p<0.05) made the most significant contribution, followed by
Age of Sexual Initiation (β = .353; t = 7.133; p<0.05) and Religiousity
(β = .116; t = 2.453; p<0.05). According to the study's findings, efforts
should be made to curb risky sexual behaviour and address young
people's capacity to handle romantic pressure, which is a defining
characteristic of this developmental stage.