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.
Highlights
Sexual activities among adolescents have been reported to be increasing worldwide
This study was conducted in Adama town, one of the commercial cities found in Oromia State, Ethiopia
This study found out that, social media use, substance abuse, peer pressure and night club going were associate with risky sexual behaviour
Summary
Several studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have demonstrated high and increasing premarital sexual activities among adolescents [1]. Risky sexual behaviors, including early sexual debut, unprotected sexual intercourse, and multiple sexual partners, occur in a broader context. The intensity of involvement in such behavior ranges from non-sexual relationship to unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners [2]. There are an estimated 24.7 million people living with HIV (Human Immune Virus) in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 71% of the global total. The number of women living with HIV in the region is much higher than that of men. Women account for 58% of the total number of people living with HIV. There are about 2.9 millions of children (aged between 0 and 14) and 2.9 millions of young people (aged between 15 and 24) are living with HIV in the region as well [3]
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