DATING, COHABITATION AND PREMARITAL SEXUAL ATTITUDE AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated dating, cohabiting, and premarital sexual attitude as predictors of academic performance among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Eight research questions were raised and four null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in Anambra state. The population for this study comprised of 35,442 undergraduates of 10 Faculties in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. A sample size of 997 students was selected using accidental sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, which were administered directly to the respondents by the researchers in their lecture halls. Research questions 1-3 were answered using regression analysis while research question 4 was answered using multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that dating was a significant predictor of academic performance, contributing 37.8% to the variation. Premarital sexual attitude was also a significant predictor, contributing a negative impact of -7.4% to academic performance. Similarly, habitation modes (Cohabitation) was found to be a significant predictor, accounting for 14.2% of the variance. Collectively, the variables of dating, habitation modes and premarital sexual attitude significantly predicted students' academic performance, accounting for 14.5% of the total variance. These findings highlight the need for intervention programmes aimed at promoting healthy behaviours and supportive living conditions among university students. The study recommends the implementation of relationship awareness and sexual education programs, as well as counselling services, to support students in managing personal relationships while maintaining academic excellence. Additionally, the enforcement of campus policies on cohabitation and the establishment of mentorship programs are essential to helping students balance their academic and personal lives effectively.