Transactional Sexual Practices and Associated Socio-Economic Factors Among Undergraduate Students in Rivers State

Abstract

Transactional sexual practices among undergraduate students are increasingly recognized as a public health and social concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the prevalence of transactional sexual practices and the socio-economic, socio-cultural, and family support factors influencing undergraduate students in Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 400 undergraduate students selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Findings revealed that 42% of respondents had engaged in transactional sexual practices. Socio-economic factors, including financial pressure, access to resources, and peer influence, significantly predicted engagement in transactional sex (R² = 0.388), while socio-cultural factors such as peer norms, cultural expectations, and beliefs about sex for benefits also had a significant influence (R² = 0.349). Family support was found to reduce engagement in transactional sexual practices (β = -0.255), acting as a protective factor. The overall model explained 53.6% of the variance in transactional sexual practices. The study concludes that transactional sexual practices among undergraduates are driven by economic vulnerability and socio-cultural pressures, with family support mitigating risk. Recommendations include financial empowerment programs, awareness campaigns to address socio-cultural norms, strengthened parental involvement, and accessible counselling services.