Reduced Sexual Activity in Pregnancy among Nigerian Women: Assessing the Associated Factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/njgp.v17i2.91Keywords:
sexual activity, pregnancy, Nigeria, misconception, Marital discordAbstract
Background: Studies show reduced sexual activity during pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate the associated factors with a view to
guiding current efforts at improving sexual activity during pregnancy.
Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study of 430 pregnant mothers attending Antenatal Care clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria, using questionnaires. Data were analyzed with STATA software, version 12.0 SE (Stata Corporation, TX, USA) utilizing multiple logistic regression model to evaluate the predictors of reduced sexual activity.
Results: Reduced frequency of sex was reported by 331 (77.2%) of the women. Women, who belonged to the Anglican denomination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–9.59) and those in whom the husbands were worried about the safety of sex in pregnancy (aOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.11–4.50), were more likely to report reduced sexual activity in pregnancy. Women, who had information about sex in pregnancy (aOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.24–0.60) and who were aged 30 years and above (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25–0.89), were less likely to report reduced sexual activity in pregnancy. There was no influence by education, occupation, and social class or having had a discussion on sex in pregnancy with a physician.
Conclusion: The Anglican Christian denomination and partner’s worry about the safety of sex in pregnancy are the key drivers of reduced sexual activity in pregnancy. We recommend that reproductive health managers take cognizance of this finding in designing strategies to improve sexual activity in pregnancy.
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