CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF PREMARITAL SEX AMONG STUDENTS OF KWARA STATE COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, OFFA

In many traditional African societies, including Nigeria, premarital sex is seen as a violation of cultural and religious values (Scott, 2018). However, in recent decades, exposure to Western ideologies, social media, and changing societal norms have contributed to a shift in attitudes toward premarital sex (Rafael, 2015). The rise in sexually permissive behaviors among students is evident in institutions of higher learning, where young people experience newfound freedom away from parental supervision. Premarital sex is a growing concern among students in higher institutions, including the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa. It refers to sexual activity that occurs before marriage and is often influenced by various factors such as peer pressure, media exposure, lack of parental guidance, and socio-economic challenges (Ramesh, 2021). While traditional African values strongly discourage premarital sexual activity, modern influences, including globalization and social media, have contributed to changing perceptions and increasing acceptance of such behaviors among young people (Scott, 2018).