Household Food Security and Sexual Behaviors among Adolescents in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the association between household food security status and adolescent sexual behavior in Tanzania. This study found that cumulative sexual risk was significantly and negatively associated with household food security, with a modest decrease in the number of reported sexual behaviors for every unit increase in dietary diversity, after controlling for socioeconomic status and other covariates. Significant gender differences in sexual behaviors were observed in this sample, with a greater proportion of highly food insecure males than females reporting that they ever had sex, were currently involved in a relationship with an actual or potential sexual partner, and were more likely to have engaged in three or more sexual risk behaviors. However, female adolescents from highly food insecure households appeared to be at greatest risk for HIV infection, based on their reported lack of knowledge about HIV and preventive measures. Peer behaviors, family relations, and perceptions about sexual activity greatly influenced the sexual practices of adolescents in this sample. This study suggests that interventions seeking to reduce sexual risk behavior and prevent HIV infection among adolescents should target youth using multiple criteria, including but not limited to the food security status ‐ and by association economic status ‐ of their households.