Imo, Cross River top list of states where men report highest rates of extra-marital s3x — NDHS report

A new report from the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has revealed the states where men aged 15 to 49 are most likely to engage in sexual activity with someone they are neither married to nor cohabiting with shedding light on sexual behavior trends across the country.

According to the findings, Imo State leads the list, with 48.7% of men in that age bracket admitting to having sex with a non-marital or non-cohabiting partner.

Cross River State follows closely at 47.9%, while Bayelsa and Delta are tied in third place with 43.4% each. Other states with high percentages include Benue (43%), Ogun (41.9%), and Rivers (39.8%).

The report highlights that the top 10 states with the highest prevalence of such sexual behavior are largely concentrated in the South-South and South-East regions. These include Anambra (39.1%), Akwa Ibom (39%), Ondo (37.2%), and Ekiti (34.4%).

On the other end of the spectrum, northern states reported significantly lower percentages. Kebbi (0.4%), Sokoto (0.8%), Jigawa (0.8%), and Yobe (1.5%) recorded the lowest incidences of extra-marital sexual activity among men. Other states with low figures include Gombe (2.1%), Bauchi (3.3%), and Niger (3.9%).

Analysts suggest that the variation may reflect differences in cultural norms, religious influences, access to sexual health education, and urbanization levels.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was ranked 15th with 30.5%, while commercial hub Lagos ranked 19th with 26.6%.

The NDHS is a nationally representative survey conducted periodically to collect data on population, health, and nutrition indicators. This latest edition, released by #TheCableIndex, provides fresh insights into social and public health behaviors in Nigeria.

The report raises important questions for policymakers, public health professionals, and community leaders, especially as the country continues efforts to combat sexually transmitted infections and promote responsible sexual behavior.

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Top 5 States by Percentage of Men (15–49) Reporting Extra-Marital Sex:

1. Imo – 48.7%

2. Cross River – 47.9%

3. Bayelsa – 43.4%

4. Delta – 43.4%

5. Benue – 43%

Bottom 5 States:

1. Kebbi – 0.4%

2. Jigawa – 0.8%

3. Sokoto – 0.8%

4. Yobe – 1.5%

5. Gombe – 2.1%

Source: NDHS 2023–2024