THE INFLUENCE OF SEXUAL CONTENT ON “X” (FORMALLY KNOWN AS TWITTER) AND PEER PRESSURE ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG CHRISLAND UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Sexual behaviour among undergraduates is a key health concern due to its potential consequences on physical, emotional, and academic well-being. Previous studies have often examined the role of media exposure and peer influence independently; however, little research has explored their comparative and joint influence on sexual behaviour among private university students. This study investigated the influence of exposure to sexual content, peer pressure, age and gender on sexual behaviour among chrisland university students. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to select 328 undergraduate students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic items and validated scales measuring exposure to sexual content, peer pressure, and sexual behaviour. Statistical analyses, including linear regression, multiple regression, and two-way ANOVA, were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Exposure to sexual content (β = .396; t = 7.774, p < .05) and peer pressure (β = .377; t = 7.357, p < .05) each had significant independent influences on sexual behaviour. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Both factors jointly predicted sexual behaviour (F(2, 325) = 46.437, R² = .222, p < .05). There was no significant main or interaction effects of age and gender on premarital sexual behaviour (p > .05). Exposure to sexual content and peer pressure are critical determinants of sexual behaviour among undergraduates, age and gender did not significantly influence these behaviours. Interventions addressing both media exposure and peer influence are recommended to promote healthier sexual decision-making. Keywords: Exposure to sexual content, Peer pressure, Age, Gender, Sexual behaviour. Word Count: 254