Cybersex Addiction in Benin Schools (2023)

Introduction: The development of digital technology over the last few decades has facilitated access to websites and videos in the field of sexuality, eliminating many of the boundaries that were restrictive for some and protective for others. While this evolution has favored better information sharing, it has also precipitated the emergence of an entirely new phenomenon: cybersexuality. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate addiction to cybersexuality in schools in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in general, technical and vocational secondary schools in Parakou, northern Benin, from December 2022 to September 2023. A self-administered questionnaire integrating the “short Internet sex Addiction Test” (s-IATsex) scale was used to assess cybersexuality. Results: A total of 482 students participated in the study. The prevalence of problematic use of cybersexuality in Parakou schools was 11.4% according to the s-IATsex (Short Internet sex Addiction Test) scale. The average age of the students was 16.99 ± 2.16 years, with extremes of 11 and 30 years. The majority were in secondary school (67.8%). Factors associated with addiction to cybersexuality were: place of residence (OR = 0.164; p = 0.017), external genitalia discharge (OR = 5.37; p = 0.049), sexual partner (OR = 2.53; p = 0.010), access to pornographic sites (OR = 7.96; p < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 3.86; p = 0.001) and depression (OR = 2.75; p = 0.018). Conclusion: Approximately one pupil in 10 is addicted to cybersexuality at school in the town of Parakou/Parakou city, Benin. The multiple consequences of this addiction call for effective preventive actions aimed at vulnerable groups of pupils.