Migration and sexual behaviour among unmarried women in Nigeria

Sarafa Shittu, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Olusola Omisakin, Obafemi Awolowo University

In line with modernization theory, rural women migrate to urban areas causing urbanization of these areas in Nigeria and increasing morbidity and maternal mortality which are associated with unprotected sexual intercourse among young, unmarried populations. Using data from the 2003 and 2008 NDHS, the study analyzes differentials in sexual behaviour among migrants and non-migrants thereby examining the impact of migration on sexual behavior of unmarried women. The study found that following an increase in migration trend of 275% between 2003 and 2008, non-migrants were more likely to use contraceptive method than migrants in 2003 (60% and 40% respectively) and 2008 (58% and 42% respectively). Significant factors responsible for the migrants sexual behavior were education and number of lifetime sexual partners (p <0.05). Hence, the study addressed the inadequacy of migration policy to urban destinations leading to creation of new modern societies (Gugler,1997) and effects on reproductive health statuses of migrants.