Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Adolescents in Semi-Urban Settlements in Ibadan, Nigeria: The Role of HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This study examined the level of risky sexual behaviour among adolescents in semi-urban settlements in Ibadan, Nigeria, and explored the relationship between knowledge of HIV/AIDS, emotional intelligence, and risky sexual behaviour. A descriptive correlational design was adopted with a sample of 200 in-school adolescents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed a moderate level of risky sexual behaviour among the respondents (weighted mean = 2.53). Significant negative relationships were found between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and risky sexual behaviour (r = −.24, p < .05), and between emotional intelligence and risky sexual behaviour (r = −.31, p < .05). A significant positive relationship also existed between knowledge of HIV/AIDS and emotional intelligence (r = .38, p < .05). The regression analysis showed that knowledge of HIV/AIDS and emotional intelligence jointly predicted risky sexual behaviour, explaining 49.6% of the variance (R = .704, R² = .496; F (2,197) = 82.41, p < .05). Emotional intelligence emerged as the stronger predictor. The study concludes that both HIV/AIDS knowledge and emotional intelligence significantly influence adolescents’ risky sexual behaviour. It is recommended that adolescent health programmes integrate HIV/AIDS education with emotional intelligence and life-skills training to promote safer sexual decision-making.