Risky sexual behaviors and their associated factors within high school students from Collège Saint André in Kigali, Rwanda: An institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundRisky sexual behaviors (RSBs) remain public health concerns in adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and these practices may increase vulnerability to reproductive health problems if no early healthcare strategies are implemented. While previous studies reported that adolescents are engaged in these RSBs due to diverse influences such as the teenage stage, urbanization, and change in the environment they experience, there is a shortage of studies on RSB among adolescents in SSA. This study assessed the magnitude of RSBs and the RSB-associated factors among in-school adolescents.MethodsSchool-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 Saint Andre school students in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 3, 2020, to September 30, 2020. Systematic random sampling techniques were employed. All data were entered into Epi-Data and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to determine factors associated with risky sexual behaviors. Confidence intervals (CIs) of 95% and 5% for statistical significance were maintained.ResultsOf 263 participants, 109 (41%) experienced RSB in their lifetime. Among them, 66 respondents (60.55%) utilized contraceptive methods to prevent sexual and reproductive problems that can be caused by unprotected sexual intercourse. The students who experienced domestic violence had increased odds of experiencing RSB [odds ratio (OR) = 4.22; 95% CI: 1.6–11.23] than their counterparts. Those in grade 11 (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.06–6.78) and grade 12 (OR = 4.39; 95% CI: 1.82–10.56) were more likely to practice RSB than those in grade 10. Alcohol users were almost more likely to experience RSB (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.97–5.5) than their counterparts. Those who lived away from their biological parents had higher likelihood of experiencing RSB (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.14–4.42) than those who lived with one or both parents. Students who experienced peer pressure were more likely to engage in RSB (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.01–7.51) than their counterparts.ConclusionPromoting specific intervention programs built upon the factors associated with RSB among high school students needs to be prioritized.

Risky Sexual Behavior and its Determinants among Undergraduate Hostellers of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

“…11, 20 Globally, studies have reported higher proportion of RSB among males as compared to females. 17, 18, 25 It has been noted that males tend to report higher sexual exposure than females, 15 similar observation was also made in this study. These difference of risky sexual behavior across gender could be attributed to many factors such as social desirability biases and sexual double standards such as women are expected to be virgin till marriage, and male’s masculinity is associated with sex.…”

“…11,20 Globally, studies have reported higher proportion of RSB among males as compared to females. 17,18,25 It has been noted that males tend to report higher sexual exposure than females, 15 similar observation was also made in this study.…”

“…14 The practice of RSB has been reported among undergraduates throughout the world from different countries such as Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Rwanda where the risky sexual behavior among undergraduates was observed to be between 12.1% and 64.0%. [15][16][17] Similarly, a meta-analysis based on eighteen studies from Ethiopia estimated the pooled prevalence of RSB among college and university students to be at 41.62%. 18 The variation in prevalence of RSB might be attributable to the difference in sample size and study setting as well as the variation in cases definition of RSB in these studies.…”

“…23 Peer pressure has been observed to be one of the important factor for RSB among students in many counties. 17 Thus, enhancing comprehensive sex education programs is crucial to promoting safer sexual practices among this vulnerable group and addressing the influence of peers and peer pressure on risky sexual behavior.…”

Prevalence of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among Injibara University students, Northwest Ethiopia

“…Peer pressure showed a significant association with risky sexual behavior, with a double increase in the odds of RSB among students with peer pressure compared to students with no peer pressure. This finding was supported by studies conducted among students in Jimma University ( 53 ), Nigeria ( 54 ), Rwanda ( 55 ), and Adama Ethiopia ( 56 ). This might be because students share their day-to-day life experience with their friends, and they are likely to behave in a manner intimate friends practice ( 57 ).…”