Family Environment and Sexual Behaviours in Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Back ground: Youths have limited access to reproductive health services that focus on the special needs of adolescents and these youths are at high risk for risky sexual behaviors. Because of the complex nature of the problem, youth reproductive health strategies demand a multi-sector and integrated approach on risky sexual behavior. This paper examines how lack of parental monitoring and other factors affect youth’s sexual behavior. Objective: to assess family environment and associated factors on risky sexual behaviors among high school youths in Jimma zone, south west Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study design was used in 5 randomly selected preparatory schools of Jimma zone. A total of 287 students were selected using simple random sampling technique based on proportional to the size of the number of students in each preparatory school. A structured, pretested and self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify the independent predictor of risk sexual behavior. Results: From sexually active students 81 (28.2%) students had sexual risk behavior and only 5[6.0%] students reported they used condom always. Sixty four [82.1] reported that they were willing the first time they had sex. 225[78.4%] of students were under high pressure from their peers. Students who had girl/boy friend were 5 times more likely to be at risk. Among students higher likelihood of risky sexual behavior significantly associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, exposure to pornographic film and having girl/boy friend. But higher family connectedness associated with lower level of likelihood of risky sexual behavior. Conclusion and Recommendation: Alcohol consumption, watching pornographic movies and having girl/boy friend were the major predictors of risky sexual behaviors but from family environment family connection was a predictor variable as preventive factor for risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, interventions that emphasize different domains of the risk and preventive factors in an integrated manner may be the most effective strategies.