Reviews
Vol. 4 (2026)
A systematic review of beneficial and adverse mental health outcomes associated with premarital sex among Nigerian adolescents and youths
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 7 August 2026
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Premarital sexual activity among Nigerian adolescents and youths is a public health concern with contested mental health implications. Within Nigeria’s highly religious and culturally conservative context, the psychological consequences of premarital sex remain inadequately synthesized. This systematic review aimed to critically appraise and synthesize existing evidence on both the beneficial and adverse mental health outcomes associated with premarital sex among Nigerian adolescents and youths. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was conducted for peer-reviewed primary studies published between 2013 and 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were synthesized thematically. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, comprising cross-sectional surveys, qualitative investigations, and mixed-methods studies across all six Nigerian geopolitical zones. Premarital sex was consistently associated with guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem, particularly among females. However, severe mental health outcomes were predominantly linked to forced sexual initiation, transactional sex, and unintended pregnancy rather than consensual premarital activity. Conversely, some studies identified psychosexual benefits, including enhanced sexual esteem and satisfaction, when sex occurred within supportive relational contexts. Protective factors such as religiosity, parental communication, and comprehensive sexuality education moderated adverse outcomes. Premarital sex exhibits a dual profile of mental health risks and benefits among Nigerian youths, with outcomes heavily mediated by contextual factors. Policy and practice should prioritize contextualized comprehensive sexuality education, mental health integration into youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and targeted support for survivors of forced sexual initiation.
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A systematic review of beneficial and adverse mental health outcomes associated with premarital sex among Nigerian adolescents and youths. Mental Wellness [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 7 [cited 2026 Aug. 8];4. Available from: https://www.mental-wellness-journal.net/mw/article/view/65
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