Prevalence and Associated Factors of Risky Sexual Behaviours Among in-School Youth in Lalibela Town, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional Sate, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study Design

Abstract

Adolescence and youth are the periods for great opportunity and hope in human life. They are the periods between childhood and adulthood where by the young people are expected to undergo major physical, emotional, and social developments, with significant impact on their sexual and reproductive health. This study was aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with risky sexual behaviours (RSB) among in-school youth (15-24) in Lalibela Town, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional institution based quantitative survey was conducted in June, 2014. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get the required sample size of 1362 study participants. A structured pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The univariate statistical analysis was used to describe the variables using tables and graphs. The multivariable logistic regression model was developed and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour were identified. A total of 1332 in-school youth (ISY) with a 97.8% response rate were included in the study. Five hundred fourteen (38.6%) in-school youth reported that they have initiated sexual intercourse. The mean age at the first sexual experience with standard deviation (Mean ± (SD)) was 15.25 ± (1.85) years, Median = 15 years, Ranges from 11 to 24 years. Among sexually active in-school youth, the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour, students reported at least one of the three risky behaviours which consist of engaging sexual debut before age 18 years, having multiple sexual partners and not consistently using condom was 46.5% (239/514). The odds of having risky sexual behaviour among urban resident ISY was 1.65 times higher than their counterpart (AOR 1.65; 95%CI: 1.12 – 2.43, P-value<0.001). The odds of risky sexual behaviour among ISY who had peer influence in sexual debut was 2 folds higher (AOR 2.06; 95%CI: 1.37 – 3.12, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart. The odds of the risky sexual behaviour of youth who never chew khat was less by 49% (AOR 0.51; 95%CI: 0.32 – 0.80, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart or khat chewers. A large proportion of in-school youth engaged in the risky sexual behaviour. Permanent residence, peer pressure, and substance uses are factors associated with risky sexual behaviours among in-school youths. Therefore, improving access to sexual and reproductive health for in-school youth is highly recommended. All concerned partners should work hard to create awareness about the identified factors and consequences of risky sexual behaviours among in school youth in the study area.