Sexting among College Students in Africa: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Methods
2.1. Research Design
2.2. Identifying Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of sexting among college students in Africa?
- What are the correlates of sexting among college students in Africa?
2.3. Identifying Relevant Studies
2.4. Study Selection
2.5. Data Charting
2.6. Collating, Summarising, and Reporting the Results
2.7. Consultations
3. Search Results
3.1. Study Characteristics
3.2. Findings
3.2.1. Type of Sexting
3.2.2. Prevalence of Sexting
3.2.3. Prevalence of General Sexting
3.2.4. Prevalence Among Initiators of Sexting
3.2.5. Prevalence Among Recipients of Sext
3.3. Predictors of Sexting
3.3.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics
3.3.2. Online Behaviour and Personality Traits
3.3.3. Sexuality and Substance Use
3.4. Outcomes of Sexting
3.4.1. Positive Outcomes of Sexting
3.4.2. Negative Outcomes of Sexting
4. Discussion
4.1. Type of Sexting
4.2. Prevalence of Sexting
4.3. Predictors of Sexting
4.4. Sexting Outcomes
4.5. Limitations
4.6. Implications for Practice, Policy and Research
4.6.1. Implications for Policy and Practice
4.6.2. Implications for Research
4.6.3. Suggestions for Future Studies
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
Abbreviations
References
- Walsh, M.J.; Baker, S.A. The selfie and the transformation of the public–private distinction. Inf. Commun. Soc. 2017, 20, 1185–1203. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Murray, D.L. A Survey of the Practices and Perceptions of Students in One Catholic High School on the Use of the Internet Regarding Safety, Cyberbullying, and Sexting. Ph.D. Thesis, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA, 2014. [Google Scholar]
- Wall, D.S. Crime, security and information communication technologies: The changing cybersecurity threat landscape and its implications for regulation and policing. In The Oxford Handbook of Law, Regulation and Technology; Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK, 20 July 2017. [Google Scholar]
- Vanden Abeele, M.; Campbell, S.W.; Eggermont, S.; Roe, K. Sexting, mobile porn use, and peer group dynamics: Boys’ and girls’ self-perceived popularity, need for popularity, and perceived peer pressure. Media Psychol. 2014, 17, 6–33. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Barrense-Dias, Y.; Berchtold, A.; Surís, J.-C.; Akre, C. Sexting and the Definition Issue. J. Adolesc. Health 2017, 61, 544–554. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Barrense-Dias, Y.; Surís, J.C.; Akre, C. “When it deviates it becomes harassment, doesn’t it?” A qualitative study on the definition of sexting according to adolescents and young adults, parents, and teachers. Arch. Sex. Behav. 2019, 48, 2357–2366. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Trub, L.; Doyle, K.M.; Hubert, Z.M.; Parker, V.; Starks, T.J. Sexting to sex: Testing an attachment based model of connections between texting behavior and sex among heterosexually active women. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2022, 128, 107097. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Van Ouytsel, J.; Van Gool, E.; Walrave, M.; Ponnet, K.; Peeters, E. Sexting: Adolescents’ perceptions of the applications used for, motives for, and consequences of sexting. J. Youth Stud. 2017, 20, 446–470. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cooper, K.; Quayle, E.; Jonsson, L.; Svedin, C.G. Adolescents and self-taken sexual images: A review of the literature. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2016, 55, 706–716. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mori, C.; Temple, J.R.; Browne, D.; Madigan, S. Association of sexting with sexual behaviors and mental health among adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2019, 173, 770–779. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Naezer, M.; van Oosterhout, L. Only sluts love sexting: Youth, sexual norms and non-consensual sharing of digital sexual images. J. Gend. Stud. 2021, 30, 79–90. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Garcia, J.R.; Gesselman, A.N.; Siliman, S.A.; Perry, B.L.; Coe, K.; Fisher, H.E. Sexting among singles in the USA: Prevalence of sending, receiving, and sharing sexual messages and images. Sex. Health 2016, 13, 428–435. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wolak, J.; Finkelhor, D.; Mitchell, K. Internet-initiated sex crimes against minors: Implications for prevention based on findings from a national study. J. Adolesc. Health 2004, 35, 424.e11–424.e20. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Muehlenhard, C.L.; Humphreys, T.P.; Jozkowski, K.N.; Peterson, Z.D. The Complexities of Sexual Consent Among College Students: A Conceptual and Empirical Review. J. Sex Res. 2016, 53, 457–487. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Walker, K.; Sleath, E. A systematic review of the current knowledge regarding revenge pornography and non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media. Aggress. Violent Behav. 2017, 36, 9–24. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Foody, M.; Mazzone, A.; Laffan, D.A.; Loftsson, M.; Norman, J.O. “It’s not just sexy pics”: An investigation into sexting behaviour and behavioural problems in adolescents. Comput. Hum. Behav. 2021, 117, 106662. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Perkins, A.B.; Becker, J.V.; Tehee, M.; Mackelprang, E. Sexting Behaviors among College Students: Cause for Concern? Int. J. Sex. Health 2014, 26, 79–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Arksey, H.; O’Malley, L. Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. Int. J. Soc. Res. Methodol. 2005, 8, 19–32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ayinmoro, A.D.; Uzobo, E.; Teibowei, B.J.; Fred, J.B. Sexting and other risky sexual behaviour among female students in a Nigerian academic institution. J. Taibah Univ. Med. Sci. 2020, 15, 116–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mayoyo, N.; Malenya, F.L.; Ogeno, J.O. The prevalence and perceptions of cyber dating abuse among undergraduate students in Nairobi County, Kenya. J. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2020, 25, 31–39. [Google Scholar]
- Chege, S.K.; Chebii, S.J. Exchange of Sexually Inclined Messages in Contexts of Dating and Romantic Relationships Among Young Students in Nairobi, Kenya. Afr. Multidiscip. J. Res. 2023, 8, 136–164. [Google Scholar]
- Hudson, H.K.; Marshall, S.A. Consequences and Predictors of Sexting Among Selected Southern Undergraduates. Int. J. Sex. Health 2018, 30, 20–27. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Okumu, M.; Logie, C.H.; Ansong, D.; Mwima, S.; Hakiza, R.; Newman, P.A. Exploring the Protective Value of Using Sexting for Condom Negotiation on Condom Use Determinants and Practices among Forcibly Displaced Adolescents in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda. AIDS Behav. 2023, 26, 3538–3550. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mukonyo, M.E.; Kabue, P.; Mugo, J. Sexting and risky sexual behaviour among students in Machakos university, Machakos county.kenya. Glob. J. Health Sci. 2020, 5, 59–82. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Makgale, O.L.; Plattner, I.E. Sexting and risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students in Botswana: An exploratory study. Cyberpsychol. J. Psychosoc. Res. Cyberspace 2017, 11, 1. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chege, S.K.; Chebii, S.J. Transactional Sexting’ and the ‘Sponsor’ Factor among Middle Level College Students in Nairobi, Kenya. J. Communication and Media Research. 2020, 12, 59–71. [Google Scholar]
- Anastassiou, A. Sexting and young people: A review of the qualitative literature. The Qualitative Report. 2017, 22, 2231–2239. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chege, S.K.; Lumala, M. Perception of Students on Delectations and Perils in Exchange of Sexually Inclined Messages in Nairobi, Kenya. East Afr. J. Educ. Soc. Sci. 2023, 4, 136–164. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ukwueze, C.A.; Abaneme, E.C. Sexting: A Self Portrayal Trend among Youths on Social Media? Soc. J. Soc. Sci. Humanit. 2021, 6, 72–86. [Google Scholar]
- Dzoro, J.; Chereni, A.; Gwenzi, G.D. Internet risks and teenage children’s agency: A case of post-primary students at a school in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe. Afr. J. Soc. Work 2019, 9, 87–96. [Google Scholar]
- Baiden, F.; Amankwah, J.; Owusu, A. Sexting among high school students in a metropolis in Ghana: An exploratory and descriptive study. J. Child. Media 2020, 14, 361–375. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nnebue, C.C.; Duru, C.B.; Uzoh, K.C.; Udozor, B.E.; Salaudeen, S.T.; Okonkwo, P.C. Social Media and Risky Sexual Practices among Undergraduate Students in a Private University in Southern Nigeria. Asian J. Adv. Res. Rep. 2020, 13, 11–21. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Abrha, K.; Worku, A.; Lerebo, W.; Berhane, Y. Sexting and high sexual risk-taking behaviours among school youth in northern Ethiopia: Estimating using prevalence ratio. BMJ Sex. Reprod. Health 2019, 45, 200–206. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ayotola, K.K.; Haruna, M.A.; Abdussalam, A.; Abiodun, A.A. Factors Influencing Sexting Behaviour among Undergraduate Students in University of Ilorin, Nigeria: Implication for Social Work Intervention. Benin J. Soc. Work. Community Dev. 2020, 1, 68–77. [Google Scholar]
- Ikenegbu, T.C. Sexting correlates risky sexual behavior among female adolescents of senior secondary school in nsukka urban area. Oracle Wisdom J. Philos. Public Aff. 2023, 7, 81–90. [Google Scholar]
- Imhonde, H.O.; Ogidan, E.Q.; Ohakwe, G.C.; Gift-Ohakwe, C.J.; Enike, T.C. Self-esteem, locus of control and types of courses as predictors of sexting among undergraduates. Int. J. Health Psychol. Res. 2021, 9, 71–85. [Google Scholar]
- Knight, T.J. Predicting Online Sexual Victimization among College Students: Sexting, Solicitations, and Other Risky Online Behaviors. Master’s Thesis, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, USA, 2022. [Google Scholar]
- Tembo, J.; Mambwe, P. Increasing Cases of Online Non-consensual Posting of Adult male Nude Pictures and Videos in Zambia: Views from rural and urban dwellers. Int. J. Res. Innov. Soc. Sci. 2021, 5, 609–615. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jahangir, A.A.; Qaiser, R.S.; Zafar, A. Relationship of sexting behaviour with psychological distress. PalArch’s J. Archaeol. Egypt/Egyptol. 2021, 18, 3424–3437. [Google Scholar]
Search # | Search Terms |
---|---|
#1. Search to identify sexting | Sexting* [MeSH Term] OR Sex messaging* OR Sex texts* OR Textual relationships* OR Sexual communication* OR Sexting behaviour* OR Digital flirting* OR Electronic sexual communication* OR Cybersex* OR Virtual intimacy* |
#2. Search to identify college students | College students* [MeSH Term] OR University students* OR Higher education students* OR Post-secondary students* OR Undergraduate students* OR *Tertiary education students* |
#3. Search to identify countries in Africa | Africa* [MeSH Term] OR sub-Saharan Africa* OR Angola* OR Benin* OR Botswana* OR Burkina Faso* OR Burundi* OR Cape Verde* OR Cameroon* OR Central African republic* OR Chad* OR Comoros* OR Congo* OR Democratic Republic of Congo* OR Cote d’Ivoire* OR Equatorial Guinea* OR Eritrea* OR Eswatini* OR Ethiopia* OR Gabon* OR Gambia Ghana* OR Guinea* OR Guinea Bissau* OR Kenya* OR Lesotho* OR Liberia* OR Madagascar* OR Malawi* OR Mali* OR Mauritania* OR Mauritius* OR Mozambique* OR Namibia* OR Niger* OR Nigeria* OR Rwanda* OR Sao Tome & Principe* OR Senegal OR Seychelles* OR Sierra Leone* OR Somalia* OR South Africa* OR South Sudan* OR Sudan* OR Tanzania* OR Togo* OR Uganda* OR Zambia* OR Zimbabwe* |
#4. Search to identify prevalence | Prevalence* [MeSH Terms] OR Percentage* OR Proportion* OR Rate* |
#5. Search to identify correlates of sexting | Correlates* [MeSH Terms] OR Risk factors* [MeSH terms] OR Determinants* OR Causes* OR Outcomes* OR Associated factors* OR Contributors* OR Predictors* OR Influences* |
Overall search strategy | Combined search strategy 1: #4 AND #1 AND #2 AND #3 |
Combined search strategy 2: #5 AND #1 AND #2 AND #3 Filters activated: English language; From 01/01/2000 |
Inclusion Criteria | Exclusion Criteria |
---|---|
1. Studies conducted among college students in African countries. | 2. Studies conducted among college students outside Africa. |
3. Studies focused on sexting, which includes the exchange of sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital communication platforms. | 4. Studies that did not report on variables of interest. |
5. Studies published in the English language. | 6. Studies published in a language other than English. |
7. Peer-reviewed and grey literature. | 8. Reviews, conference papers, abstracts, letters, editorials, preprints, and commentaries. |
9. Papers published online in the year 2000 and later. |
Main Theme | Indicator | Author |
---|---|---|
Type of sexting | Sending nude pictures | [19,20,26,37] |
Sending of sexually suggestive image/photo | [24,25,37] | |
Received a sext/text messages with very strong sexual language and words | [19,25,26,31] | |
Received naked photographs | [26] | |
Sexually charged/explicit text messages | [21,23,26,29,30] | |
Communicating feelings of sexual stimulation and intention | [21] | |
Recorded explicit images and videos | [21,31,37] | |
Pressured to have sex or engage in sexual activities online | [20] | |
Shared intimate information without permission | [20] | |
Posted a picture or video on their social media pages | [29] | |
Saw or read sexually explicit materials using their phone | [31] | |
Prevalence | General prevalence—9.9% | [23] |
General sexting—15.3% | [23] | |
General prevalence—21.6% | [20] | |
General prevalence—24.7% | [31] | |
General prevalence—33.37% | [33] | |
General prevalence—37.9% | [32] | |
General prevalence—48% | [24] | |
General prevalence—61.2% | [25] | |
Received nudes and sext—5.4% | [23] | |
Receivers only—23.6% | [25] | |
Received sext—47.0% | [19] | |
Received a sext—57.4% | [24] | |
Sent sext—0.6% | [25] | |
Sent sext—17.5% | [20] | |
Sent nudes—36.5% | [19] | |
Sent sext—57% | [24] | |
Posted a picture considered to be sexual on their social media account—77% | [29] | |
Posted a message with sexual content—84.33% | [29] | |
Predictors of sexting | Being male | [24,31,33,34,37] |
Age above 18 years | [19,24,31,33] | |
Age (puberty) younger than 18 | [34] | |
Level of study—2nd year | [24] | |
Senior year students—SS3 | [35] | |
Married, cohabiting, and engaged | [24] | |
Being in a serious relationship | [31] | |
Being in a casual relationship | [31] | |
Ethnicity—Urhobo | [19,33] | |
Low monthly allowance | [19] | |
Use of smart phones/owning a mobile phone | [19,31,35] | |
Access to social media | [35] | |
Searching online for romantic partners | [35] | |
Flirting with romantic partners online | [35] | |
Having an online blog | [35] | |
Sexual orientation—LGBT | [34] | |
Sexual activity | [25] | |
Low self-esteem | [36] | |
Having mothers educated at a tertiary level | [25] | |
Had ever received sexts/perceived sexting experience | [25] | |
Alcohol use and higher frequency of sexting | [25] | |
Drug use | [25] | |
Dating a “sponsor” or “cougar” for economic gain | [26] | |
Attending government school | [33] | |
Not a virgin | [35] | |
Outcomes of sexting | Early sexual intercourse | [24] |
Risky sexual behaviour | [19,21,33] | |
High-risk-taking sexual behaviour | [33] | |
Increase in sexual partners | [25] | |
Cyberbullying | [21] | |
Online sexual victimisation | [37] | |
Social shaming/damage of reputation | [21,38] | |
Psychological disturbance of youth | [39] | |
Anxiety | [25,39] | |
Depression | [39] | |
Emotional control | [39] | |
Worrying about their sexts being forwarded | [25] | |
Condom negotiation | [23] | |
Positive attitude toward unprotected sexual practices | [35] |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Commey, I.T.; Amoadu, M.; Obeng, P.; Okantey, C.; Boso, C.M.; Agyare, D.F.; Druye, A.A.; Opoku-Danso, R.; Ninnoni, J.P.K.; Nsatimba, F.; et al. Sexting among College Students in Africa: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact. Sexes 2024, 5, 285-299. https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030022
Commey IT, Amoadu M, Obeng P, Okantey C, Boso CM, Agyare DF, Druye AA, Opoku-Danso R, Ninnoni JPK, Nsatimba F, et al. Sexting among College Students in Africa: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact. Sexes. 2024; 5(3):285-299. https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030022
Chicago/Turabian StyleCommey, Isaac Tetteh, Mustapha Amoadu, Paul Obeng, Christiana Okantey, Christian Makafui Boso, Dorcas Frempomaa Agyare, Andrews Adjei Druye, Rita Opoku-Danso, Jerry Paul K. Ninnoni, Frederick Nsatimba, and et al. 2024. "Sexting among College Students in Africa: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact" Sexes 5, no. 3: 285-299. https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030022