Predictors of risky sexual behaviour among pre-college students in Adama Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionThe rate of sexually transmitted infection's, including HIV has increased in recent years in Ethiopia. Many adolescents and young people still do not protect themselves against unintended pregnancies and STIs. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the predictors of risky sexual behavior among pre-college students in Adama Town, Ethiopia.MethodsSchool based cross-sectional study was employed. In this study 364 students were recruited from all pre-college schools in Adama town, Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between the outcome variables and independent variables.ResultsThe mean age at sexual debut was 16.1 years (± 2.72SD). Social media usage for sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners were observed among students. About 7% of students used social media for watching pornography. The odds of risky sexual behaviour were higher among social media users compared to the nonusers AOR = 1.23 (95% CI 1.13,3.12). Risky sexual behaviour was almost 4 times more likely among night club goers AOR = 4.294 (95% CI: 2.033, 9.073). Peer pressure and substance abuse were also a significant predictor for risky sexual behavior AOR = 6.97 (95% CI: 4.24, 9.69).ConclusionSocial media use, peer pressure, substance abuse, and night club going were found to be significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour among pre-college students. Thus, schools need to establish and strengthen reproductive health clubs to be able to equip students with required skills and knowledge about sexuality. Parents should be aware of the dynamic behavioral change of their children, listen and attend to their needs.

Factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among secondary and preparatory students in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia; Institution based cross-sectional study

“…Students who ever smoked cigarette were nearly two times more likely to be engaged in risky sexual behavior as compared to their counterparts. A similar finding has been reported from a previous study carried out in Adama town, Ethiopia which shows that those who smoked cigarettes were twce more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than those who didn't smoke 32 . A possible explanation for the observed association may be due to the fact that students who smoke cigarettes may engage in risky sexual behavior due to observing such behaviors among their family or peers, or in the media.…”

Youth Risky Sexual Behavior: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors in North-West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…12 To date, the majority of young people in many contexts learn about sex either from their peer or pornography rather than adults who are responsible to shape their behavior. 13,14 In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 28% of young women and 34% of young men have comprehensive knowledge on the prevention of HIV/AIDS between 2012 and 2017. 15 Evidence from Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS 2016) in Ethiopia 24% of women and 39% of men aged 15-24 years had a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS.…”

“…12 To date, the majority of young people in many contexts learn about sex either from their peer or pornography rather than adults who are responsible to shape their behavior. 13,14…”

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Sosyodemografik Özellikleri ile Cinsel Sağlık Davranışları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

“…22 In the study conducted by Aras et al (2005) in our country, 32.4% of the young people aged 16-20 had sexual intercourse. 27 In the study of Arslan et al (2014), this rate was 44.9%. 26 This situation is important in terms of showing that the age of onset of sexual intercourse starts in the adolescence period.…”