Premarital sexual practice among school adolescents in Nekemte town, East Wollega

Abstract

Abstract Background: Sexual activities among adolescents have been reported to be increasing worldwide. Several studies in Sub-Saharan Africa have also documented increasing premarital sexual activities among adolescents. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess prevalence of premarital sexual practice and factors contributing to this practices among high school adolescents in Nekemte Town. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte town of Oromia Regional State between February and March 2006. Results: Three hundred sixty four (53.8%) male and 312 (46.2%) female high school adolescents participated in the study. About one-fifth (21.5%) of the participants had had premarital sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of which 102 (70.3%) were males. While being male [AOR=2.11 (1.27, 3.51)], a ninth grade student [AOR=1.77 (1.05, 2.99)] and ever having a sexual partner [AOR=22.3 (13.1, 37.9)] were found to have significant positive association with premarital sexual practices, being less than 18 years was found to be protective against the practice [AOR=0.44 (0.26, 0.73)]. Conclusion: A considerable amount of school adolescents had started pre marital sexual activity that might predispose them to different sexual and reproductive health problems. Strengthening age and gender segregated IEC/BCC services on sexual and reproductive health in general and premarital sexual practices and its consequences in particular in school environments needs serious attention. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(2):167-173