Abstract
Background: HIV/AIDS risky behavior remains a critical health concern for young women for multiple biological and socio-economic reasons. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the level of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among female students in private colleges in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among female private college students in Nekemte town between April and May, 2014. A total of 422 female students in private colleges were randomly selected for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to identify predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Results: One hundred fifty six (38.4%) of the non-married (N=406) respondents had practiced sexual intercourse. Of these, 115(73.7%) were sexually active in the last 12 months. Of the total respondents who were sexually active in the last 12 months including the married one (N=131), 38(29%) reported that they had sexual intercourse with two or more partners. Among non-married females who were sexually active in the last 12 months (N=115), only 34(29.6%) reported to have used condom at their last sexual intercourse. Urban residence (AOR=2.4, 95% CI =1.3, 4.5), income deficit (AOR= 2.8, 95 % CI=1.5, 4.0), Income source (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=2.0, 9.0) and pornographic film viewing (AOR=10.7, 95 % CI=5.1, 22.5) were significantly associated with premarital sex. Level of study (AOR =2.0, 95% CI=1.3, 3.2), marital status AOR=2.8, 95% CI 1.8, 6.6), Living arrangement (AOR= 3.295% CI=1.3, 4.5, and pornographic viewing (AOR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1, 4.3 were significantly associated with multiple sexual partners. Similarly, condom use in the last sexual intercourse among nonmarried female students was significantly associated with level of study (AOR= 0.2, 95 % CI= 0 .1-0.9), Knowledge of HIV prevention by consistent use of condoms (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.0-8.0), pornographic viewing AOR= 2.7, 95 % CI =1.0, 7.6) and alcohol drinking (AOR=5.2, 95 % CI 3.2, 7.3). Conclusion: This study indicated that large proportions of students were engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Hence, Encouraging continuation of virginity as a cultural norm among those who have not experienced sexual intercourse and awareness creation.
Highlights
HIV/AIDS is showing a declining trend, there are still a huge number of people infected and affected by HIV worldwide
The distribution of the study subjects by ethnic group showed that the majority, 394 (93.4%) were from Oromo followed by Amhara 22(5.2%)
Condom use in the last sexual intercourse among non-married female students who reported to have had sex in the last 12 months was significantly associated with level of study, Knowledge of HIV prevention by consistent use of condoms, pornographic viewing and khat chewing in the last 12 months sex (P
Summary
HIV/AIDS is showing a declining trend, there are still a huge number of people infected and affected by HIV worldwide. In 2010, the United Nations Aids Department estimates around 34 million people were living with HIV globally, of which about 2.7 million people were newly infected [1]. There were an estimated 22.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 68% of the total HIV burden and around 1.9 million people were newly infected in 2010, which accounts for 70% of the total number of new infections globally [1]. HIV/AIDS risky behavior remains a critical health concern for young women due to biological and socio-demographic factors. Several surveys in the country indicate that young people including university students continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors despite the increased level of awareness about HIV/AIDS [5,6]. HIV/AIDS risky behavior remains a critical health concern for young women for multiple biological and socio-economic reasons. The objective of the study was to assess the level of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among female students in private colleges in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
