Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Online Sexual Activity among Final Year Students in Osun State University, Nigeria.

Background: The internet has opened up new avenues for sexual exploration, including online sexual activity (OSA), which is becoming increasingly common among young adults globally. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of OSA among final-year students in Osun State University, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 436 undergraduates. Respondents were selected via a multistage sampling technique; a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and analyses. Online sexual activity was measured with the Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST) and pertinent analyses were done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels using SPSS V20.0.

Results: The prevalence of OSA was 58.7%, It is more common among males (53.1%) than females (46.9%), 73.4% of the undergraduates were mildly involved, and none was severely involved. Factors associated with OSA include biological sex, dating, smoking and/or usage of substances exposure to pornography from childhood, religiosity and family functioning. Further analysis showed that males are three times more likely to be involved in OSA compared to females (AOR= 3.104, p<0.001, CI-1-936-4.977). Those dating are two and a half times more likely to be involved in OSA (AOR= 2.491, p<0.001, CI- 1.589-3.905). Also, those who smoked and/or use other substances or are exposed to pornography from childhood as well as those who have a low level of religiosity are more likely to be involved in OSA.

Conclusion: OSA was prevalent among final-year students, particularly among males and those dating. The association between substance use and OSA among young people is not likely to be an unstable one and both are increasingly available to them, with the almost inevitable possibility that increased usage of substances may tilt many into severe or addictive online sexual activities. Thus, targeted enlightenment/ education on OSA and on substance use is recommended for undergraduates.