Risk factors of early sexual debut among men and women - a strong predictor of HIV and sexual risk in Malawi

Abstract

The 2010 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) is a large, nationally representative sample survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The 2010 MDHS covered a total of 27,000 households, involving 24,000 female and 7,000 male respondents. The primary objective of the 2010 MDHS is to provide up-to-date information for policymakers, planners, researchers, and programme managers on fertility levels, nuptiality, fertility preferences, knowledge and use of family planning methods, breastfeeding practices, nutritional status of mothers and children, childhood illnesses and mortality, use of maternal and child health services, malaria, maternal mortality, and HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and behaviour. The survey also provides the anaemia status of women age 15-49 and children age 6-59 months. There have been four rounds of the MDHS conducted-in 1992,2000,2004, and 2010. This preliminary report presents tables showing the status and trends for a selected number of indicators current fertility, current use of contraception, vaccinations, nutritional status of children, and knowledge of HIV and AIDS among others.

Correlates of Early Sexual Debut and Its Associated STI/HIV Risk Factors among Sexually Active Youths in Malawi

“…A study by Peltzer (2010) found mixed results with more boys (38.1%) than girls 15.8% who experience sexual debut before the age of 15 years. It has been evident that those who initiate sexual activities earlier exhibit a constellation of risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (Misiri, H. 2014), and are more likely not to use condoms at first sex. Victims of early sexual debut are prone to poor sexual health outcomes, early family formation, poor economic security, incarceration and few middle school interventions (Erkut et al, 2012).…”

“…Studies from Malawi have shown that most young people initiate sex at an early age before they get married, others initiate sex as early as 10 years, or before the age of 17 years (Maluwa- Banda and Lunguzi, 2002), and about 50% of youths in Malawi initiate sexual intercourse before the age of 15 (UNFPA, 2001). The median age at first sex among young men and women in Malawi ranges from 18 for males to 17 years for females (Misiri, H. 2014). In Nigeria, early sexual debut is a major health concern, especially among girls (Cortez et al, 2015).…”