Factors Determining the Willingness of Nigerian Clinicians to Recommend Protected Oral Sex: An Online Exploratory Study

Abstract

Oral sex, a risky sexual behaviour, is now a common sexual behaviour in Nigeria. Nigerian clinicians play crucial roles in the promotion of healthy sexual behaviours among the lay public. This study seeks to identify those factors that determine the willingness of Nigerian clinicians to recommend protected oral sex to patients with history of oral sex practice. This study surveyed 330 clinicians in Nigeria, using an e-questionnaire circulated via WhatsApp. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 21 software. The majority (89.1%) of the respondents were willing to recommend protected oral sex for patients engaging in oral sex. Amidst all of the factors (sociodemographic factors, sexual history, etc.) investigated, only one factor (which was the uncertainty about the risk level of oral sex) was found to predict the willingness to recommend protective measures to patients on oral sex (OR = 3.06, p = 0.036). In conclusion, only few factors were found to influence Nigerian clinicians in engaging in patient education on safer oral sex practices.

Preventative interventions by dental care professionals in Africa on oral human papillomavirus, gonorrheal, chlamydial, syphilitic and trichomonas infections: A scoping review

“…This empty review points out several concerns about the commonest oral STDs in Africa. Oral sex is commonly practised among heterosexuals and homosexuals in Africa, 30 , 31 but published interventions on the prevention and care of oral STDs, particularly in the dental care settings, are not available. This shows that oral STDs in Africa is a neglected public health area in Africa.…”

“…In a recent survey of a sample of dental surgeons in Nigeria, Africa, it was observed that majority of them were unaware of the protective measures that can be used to prevent the transmission of oral STDs during oral sex 30 ; hence, this may be a major factor contributing to the lack of preventative intervention, by DCPs, on oral STDs in Africa. Also, in the survey, 30 it was identified that the practice of educating dental patients on the risks of unprotected oral sex as well as the precautionary measures that can be adopted to ensure safer oral sex was very low among participating dental surgeons. 30 However, in the study, 30 the low practice was attributed to the highly conservative sociocultural landscape on sex‐related issues in Nigeria.…”

“…Also, in the survey, 30 it was identified that the practice of educating dental patients on the risks of unprotected oral sex as well as the precautionary measures that can be adopted to ensure safer oral sex was very low among participating dental surgeons. 30 However, in the study, 30 the low practice was attributed to the highly conservative sociocultural landscape on sex‐related issues in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the lack of empirical research evidence on the preventative interventions by DCPs concerning oral STDs is attributable to the perception of oral sex as a taboo in African culture, and inadequate knowledge of DCPs in Africa on protective measures concerning oral sex.…”

“…Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the lack of empirical research evidence on the preventative interventions by DCPs concerning oral STDs is attributable to the perception of oral sex as a taboo in African culture, and inadequate knowledge of DCPs in Africa on protective measures concerning oral sex. 30 …”

“…Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the lack of empirical research evidence on the preventative interventions by DCPs concerning oral STDs is attributable to the perception of oral sex as a taboo in African culture, and inadequate knowledge of DCPs in Africa on protective measures concerning oral sex. 30 It has been documented in the literature that STDs can manifest in the mouth, even if they were not transmitted through the oral route. 34 Also, STDs contracted through nonoral sex route (vaginal, penile, or anal route) can be transmitted to another person through oral sex, causing oral STD.…”