Ethiopian Youth Research Articles

Intention to khat chewing among youths in Raya-Azebo district, southern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia: application of the theory of planned behavior.

Khat chewing has become a global phenomenon, resulting in significant physical and mental health issues as well as socioeconomic crises. However, evidence is scarce on Ethiopian youths' behavioral intentions toward khat chewing, particularly in the Raya-Azebo district of the southern zone of the Tigray region. As a result, this study aimed to assess the intention to chew among youths in Raya-Azebo district, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 627 youths in northern Ethiopia's Raya-Azebo district. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multivariable linear regression model was used to predict the contribution of independent variables and identify variables strongly associated with chewing among youths. A considerable proportion, 192 (30.62%) of youths, had the intention to chew khat in the next 6 months. The component of the theory of planned behavior independently explained the variance in intention to chew by 83%. The strongest predictors of intention to chew were attitude (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), subjective norm (β = 0.297, p < 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.15, p = 0.01). Behavioral intention toward khat chewing was a function of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control toward khat chewing. Strategies to empower youths to change a positive attitude toward khat chewing, programs targeted at resisting social pressures, and increasing self-efficacy to combat chewing are needed.

Physiological parameters and training characteristics of endurance runners at Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (2400 meters above sea level) and Guna Athletics Sport Club (3100 meters above sea level) training camps: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Endurance performance is impacted by physiological, anthropometrical, diet, genetic, psychological, and training characteristics. Altitude can affect physiological parameters (like maximum oxygen utilization, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO<inf>2</inf>), heart rate, and blood pressure) and training characteristics (duration, frequency, and training load). Thus, this study compared physiological parameters and training characteristics between endurance runners at Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (EYSA) and Guna Athletics Sport Club (GASC) located which are located at elevation of 2400 and 3100 meters, respectively. A comparative cross-sectional study design was used from September to November 2021. Data was obtained from a total of 120 eligible participants (30 runners and 30 controls at GASC, and 30 runners and 30 controls at EYSA). Sociodemographic and training characteristics were assessed using self-administered standardized questionnaires. SaO<inf>2</inf> and heart rate were measured using finger pulse-oximetry (Nellcor, Oxim N-65; Covidien, Dublin, Ireland). Blood pressure was measured by Folee Digital Blood Pressure Monitor DX-B1 (Jiangsu Folee Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhenjiang, China). The runners of GASC had significantly lower resting SaO<inf>2</inf>, SaO<inf>2</inf> immediately after maximal exertion, training (frequency and load) than runners of EYSA in both sexes. Runners of Guna Athletics Sport Club (RGASC) had significantly higher maximum oxygen utilization (VO<inf>2</inf>max) than Runners Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (REYSA) in both sexes. Severe exercise-induced hypoxemia (EIAH) and moderate EIAH were developed by male runners of GASC and EYSA respectively. Besides, female runners GASC and EYSA developed moderate and mild EIAH, respectively. Conclusively, there were significant differences in physiological parameters and training load between RGASC and REYSA. High altitude (3100 meters) may have a greater impact on the above variables than moderate hypoxia (2400 meters above sea level). Hence, endurance runner coaches should give emphasis to these variables.

Comparison of physical fitness status of Ethiopian youth football players trained by coaches from formal and informal coach learning systems

The purpose of the present study was to compare physical fitness status (agility, flexibility, speed, and strength endurance) of Ethiopian youth under-17 football players trained by coaches from formal and informal coach learning system. To achieve the objective of the study a quantitative approach in harmony with purposive sampling was employed. Hence, the researchers have participated and measured the fitness level of 75 (62.5%) volunteer elite youth U-17 players. An independent sample t-test was conducted to compare the physical fitness status of players being trained by coaches from formal and informal learning system. There were statistically significant agility difference between players coached by formally learned coaches (M = 16.38, SD = .77) and players of informally learned coaches M = 16.86, SD = 1.06; t (73) = -2.16, P = .03. Conversely, the findings of the present study showed that statistically significant speed difference between players coached by formally learned coaches (M = 4.48, SD = .21) and players coached by informally learned coaches M = 4.11, SD = .31; t (73) = 6.16, P = .00. On the contrary, the findings of the present study indicated that statistically significant flexibility difference between players coached by formally learned coaches (M = 10.40, SD = 4.44) and players of informally learned coaches M = 6.10, SD = 5.30; t (73) = 3.66, P = .00. The result elucidates that players trained by formally learned coaches were significantly fast (16.38 seconds) agility mean time score than players trained by informally learned coaches (16.86 seconds). Conversely, players trained by informal learned coaches’ show significantly faster (4.11 seconds) than players coached by formal learned coaches. However, players coached by formally learned coaches were significantly flexible (10.40 centimeters) than trainees of informally learned coaches. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in strength endurance of players trained by formally learned coaches (M = 28.20, SD =10.17) and strength endurance of players trained by informally learned coaches (M = 31.29, SD = 11.69). However, there was no significant difference in strength endurance of players trained by formal learned coaches (M = 28.20, SD = 10.17) and strength endurance of players trained by informally learned coaches M = 31.29, SD = 11.69; t (73) = -1.18, P = .24. Ultimately, the result of the current study suggests that the type of coach learning surely have an impact on physical fitness status of elite youth under-17 football players. Therefore, the findings of the current study conclude that the collaborative work of formally learned and informally learned coaches recommended to bring the needed changes across all physical fitness qualities of elite youth under-17 football players of Ethiopia. Keywords: agility, speed, flexibility, strength endurance, formal learning, informal learning

Correlates of timing and intensity of reproductive transition among Ethiopian youths: A multistate multilevel analysis

Correlates of timing and intensity of reproductive transition among Ethiopian youths: A multistate multilevel analysis

“I wanted a different life for myself”: Aspirations and agency of economically disadvantaged youth in Ethiopia

“I wanted a different life for myself”: Aspirations and agency of economically disadvantaged youth in Ethiopia

Social media for diffusion of conflict & violence in Ethiopia: Beyond gratifications

This study explored the use of social media among the Ethiopian youth at the time of the political reform. The study employed an explanatory sequential design. Using an online questionnaire, the quantitative data were gathered from 412 university students who were pursuing their education in eight major cities of the country. For the qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 students in four places of the research area. The survey data was discussed using descriptive statistics while data from the in-depth interviews were discussed thematically. This research discerns that the youth had unshakeable loyalty to Telegram (96 %) while they are also dominantly using YouTube (nearly 79 %), Facebook (65 %) and Instagram (53.7 %). It is also discovered that the youths showed a high level of trust on social media (70 %) virtually on par with their faith in their friends (77.4 %) and teachers (72 %) where their entire trust in social media is governed by selective trust mechanism. The entire dependence the youths had on this mechanism, which is exacerbated by the social media algorithm, led to high level of like and share of posts including unproved stories and misinformation which in turn lead to the diffusion of conflict and violence in a vicious cycle. By shedding new light on how members of a collective culture could use the media to achieve group-oriented goals, the study also refutes the widespread view, which predominantly ties UGT (Use and Gratification Theory) with self-oriented aspirations. This study recommends the enhancement of media literacy by incorporating it in the schools curricula and providing media literacy education to the public using various channels of communication (including both mainstream and new media).

Spatial distribution and determinants of barriers of health care access among female youths in Ethiopia, a mixed effect and spatial analysis

Access to healthcare services is a fundamental human right for every citizen, and it is the responsibility of the nation to guarantee that these services are acceptable, easily accessible, and timely. Barriers to accessing health services may have a detrimental effect on an individual’s physical, and mental health, and overall quality of life. However, access to health care services is a common problem in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate spatial distribution and determinants of barriers to healthcare access among female youths in Ethiopia. Secondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Surveys data conducted in Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 6143 female youths aged 15–24 years old was included in this study. A mixed-effect analysis was employed to identify factors contributing to barriers to healthcare access among youths in Ethiopia. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% CI was used to declare the strength and significance of the association. The concentration index was used to assess wealth-related inequalities, while spatial analysis was used to explore the spatial distribution and significant windows of barriers to healthcare access. This study revealed that the magnitude of barriers to healthcare access among female youth was 61.3% with 95%CI (60.1 to 62.5) to at least one or more of the four reasons. Age 15–19 years old (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.68 to 0.95), no formal education (AOR = 2.26, CI 1.61, 3.18), primary education (AOR = 2.21, CI 1.66, 2.95), marital status (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.21, 1.70), poor household wealth (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.31, 2.05), no Media exposure (AOR = 1.67, 95%CI 1.41–1.98), reside in rural areas (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.05 to 2.54), and low community media exposure (AOR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.01–2.08) were significantly associated with barriers of health care service. Barriers to healthcare access were significantly and disproportionately concentrated in poor households. A non-random Barrier to healthcare access was observed in Ethiopia. Among the 9 regions, primary clusters were identified in only 4 regions (North Ormiya, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, and South Nation Nationality and Peoples regions. A significant proportion of female youths faced barriers to health care access Age, educational status, marital status, rural residency, low economic status, and media exposure were factors associated with barriers to health care access. Therefore, program planners and decision-makers should work on improving the country’s economy to a higher economic level to improve the wealth status of the population, promote media exposure, and increase access to education.

Spatial variations and determinants of knowledge of ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis using 2016 EDHS

BackgroundKnowledge of the ovulatory period enables women in avoiding and engaging in sexual intercourse either to avoid and to have pregnancy as desired. It has been reported that young people have less knowledge of the ovulatory period. There is limited evidence about the spatial variability of knowledge of the ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the spatial variation and factors sociated with knowledge of the ovulatory period among youths in Ethiopia for providing geographically targeted interventions.MethodA secondary data analysis was carried out using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys with a total weighted sample of 6143 youths. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing knowledge of the ovulatory period. ArcGIS version 10.7 software and Kuldorff’s SaTScan version 9.6 was used for the spatial analysis.ResultsBeing older youth [AOR = 1.98; 1.46, 2.70], youths having primary education [AOR = 1.70; 1.23, 2.35], youths having secondary & higher education [AOR = 2.30; 1.41, 3.74], youths whose husbands have primary education [AOR = 1.39; 1.02, 1.91], and youths who use contraception [AOR = 1.66; 1.24, 2.22] were significant predictors of knowledge of ovulatory period. Knowledge of the ovulatory period among youth had non random spatial distribution across Ethiopia, and the primary clusters of incorrect knowledge of the ovulatory period were observed in Somalia, SNNPR, Benishangul gumuz, and Gambella regions of Ethiopia.ConclusionThere was a non-random spatial pattern in the distribution of knowledge of the ovulation period among young women in Ethiopia. Age of youth, educational status, education of husband, and contraceptive use were significant predictors of knowledge of the ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia. Hence, interventions should prioritize at-risk youths residing in regions with limited knowledge of the ovulatory period to enhance their awareness of the fertility window.

Prevalence and associated factors of early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEarly sexual initiation refers to engaging in sexual activity at a young age, typically before the age of 18. Even though many studies have been conducted in Ethiopia, the result is inconsistent between studies. In the study area, the pooled prevalence and associated factors of early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth were not done before. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of early initiation of sexual intercourse among Youth in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted from 2008 to 2022, in Ethiopia. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Hinari, and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched. The analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using forest plots, I2, Cochran’s Q statistics and Funnel plots, Egger test, and Begg rank tests respectively. Duval and Tweedie’s ‘trim and fill’ method was also performed to adjust the pooled estimate. Pooled analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance fixed-effects model.ResultsA total of 10 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth in Ethiopia was 24.7% (95%CI: 10.4, 38.9). Being female (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.387, 5.743), having poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI: 1.981,5.309), alcohol use (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.415, 2.679), khat chewing (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.800, 4.254), Viewed pornographic film(AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.135, 6.283), Cigarette smoking (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 2.102, 3.370) and Poor family controls (AOR = 4.39; 95% CI: 2.572, 6.199)were associated factors of early initiation of sexual intercourse.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of early initiation of sexual intercourse among Youth in Ethiopia was high. Being female, poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, alcohol use, khat chewing, Viewing pornographic films, Cigarette smoking, and poor family controls were associated factors of early initiation of sexual intercourse. It is recommended that targeted interventions be put in place to address the high prevalence of early initiation of sexual intercourse among youth in Ethiopia. These interventions should focus on addressing the associated factors such as poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, alcohol use, khat chewing, viewing pornographic films, cigarette smoking, and poor family controls. It is important that these interventions are gender-sensitive and take into consideration the unique challenges faced by females in accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

Eat, Pray, Wait: The Informal Israeli Jewish Education of Ethiopian Youth Awaiting Aliyah

ABSTRACT For Jewish Ethiopian refugees at the Tikvah summer camp in Gondar, Ethiopia, Jewish informal education keeps their dreams of Jerusalem alive while simultaneously reinforcing Israeli gatekeeping practices. The ethnic and religious ideologies underlying Israeli nation-building and statecraft surface in the campers’ exterritorial encounter with Israel’s vision of an “ideal” Jew. Through a collaborative, community-based approach, this study provides a holistic representation of Tikvah as a world suspended between Israeli socialization and informal Jewish education, exposing the distance between the diverse traditions and identities of Jews across the world and Israel’s reconfiguration of what it means to be a “Jew.”

Prevalence and Determinants of Premarital Sexual Practice among Youths in Ethiopia: Based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data.

Premarital sexual practice becomes a common phenomenon among youths in Ethiopia. It is usually associated with unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude and determinants of premarital sexual practice among Ethiopian youths. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in all regions of Ethiopia from January 18 to June 27, 2016. A total of 7389 youths with the age range from 19 to 24 were included in the present study. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with premarital sex. A 95% CI and p value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. The prevalence of premarital sexual practice was 10.8% (95% CI, 10%-11.5%). Being in the age group of 20-24 (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI (2.8, 4.6)), male sex (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI (1.3, 2.2)), employed (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.03, 1.8)), from pastoral region (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.3,2.4)), having mobile phone (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI, (1.3, 2.3)), ever use of internet (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.3, 2.5)), ever drinking alcohol (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.7, 2.5)), ever chewed khat (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.6, 3.5), and ever tested for HIV (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI (1.1,1.6)) were statistically significant factors associated with premarital sex. For every 10 youths, at least one of them had sexual intercourse before they got married. Being in the age group of 20-24, male sex, employed, from a pastoral region, having a mobile phone, ever use of the internet, alcohol drinking, khat chewing, and ever tested for HIV were important factors affecting premarital sex. Thus, national sexual education and reproductive health behavior change interventions should give due attention to those groups. Furthermore, adequate education should be given about premarital sexual intercourse when youths come for HIV tests.

Explaining the gender gap in reproductive transition of Ethiopian youths: A decomposition analysis

The achievement of gender equality and ending all forms of disparity in the spheres of sexual and reproductive health are critical components of sustainable development goals. We endeavor to investigate the characteristics and/or structural sources of the gender gap in the reproductive transition among Ethiopian youths. The analysis was carried out using parts of data drawn from the 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The decomposition of the gender gap in the reproductive transition of youths into components was made using the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis for non-linear models. The results demonstrate that the delay in the age at first marriage among the youth was accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of premarital sex. Furthermore, the findings show that the gender gap in reproductive transition is triggered by both compositional and structural effects of covariates such as education, modern contraceptive use, and media exposure. Thus, in addition to reducing inequalities in education, media exposure, and deprivation between male and female youths, working on the structural components is recommended to close the gender gap in the reproductive transition of youths.

Attitude towards gender division of labor and convictions regarding the nature of spousal relationships among never married youth in Ethiopia

The gendered distribution of house work is one of the most significant concerns leading to the perpetuation of gender inequality. The objective of the present study was to identify attitudes towards gender division of labor and convictions regarding the nature of spousal relationships among never married youth in Wolaita Sodo town. A cross-sectional study design with a survey research method was used to collect quantitative data from randomly selected unmarried youth. A total of 403 young people participated in the study, of which 377 (254 males & 123 females) fully completed and returned the questionnaire. Data were analyzed and presented using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The result of the study shows 64.1% of them believe that both husband and wife should share household tasks. Respondents have also a relatively favorable attitude towards gender-based division of housework (M=2.5, SD=.37582) and negative attitude towards gender-based violence against women (M=2, SD=.51754). Results of coefficients of regression found that age, sex, and residential background of respondents are the independent variables significantly affecting respondents’ attitude towards gender division of domestic labor, gender equality, and gender-based violence. While there is a widely held belief that men should do housework, attitudes towards the classification between public and domestic tasks is found to be less gendered in the study area. Moreover, despite a widely held belief that public tasks and housework should not be gender segregated, the belief in the capability of women to do public tasks equally with men has been found to be low.

The prevalence and determinant factors of substance use among the youth in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

In Ethiopia, the youth are more exposed to substances such as alcohol, Khat, and tobacco than other populations. Despite the seriousness of the situation, low- and middle-income nations, particularly Ethiopia, have intervention gaps. Service providers must be made more aware of relevant evidence to combat these problems. This research focused on finding out how common substance abuse is among teenagers and the factors that influence it. The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data were used for secondary data analysis. This survey includes all young people aged 15 to 24 years. The total sample size was 10,594 people. Due to the hierarchical nature of the survey data, a multilevel logistic regression model was employed to uncover the individual- and community-level characteristics related to substances. In Ethiopia, the overall current prevalence of occasional or daily substance use 30 days prior to the survey was 46.74%. Of the participants, 36.34, 12.56, and 0.95% were drinking alcohol, chewing Khat, and smoking cigarettes/any tobacco products, respectively. Male sex, 20-24 years of age, exposure to media, having a job, and living in large central and metropolitan regions were the factors associated with the problem. According to the 2016 EDHS, substance use among young people is widespread in Ethiopia. To lower the prevalence of substance use among youth, policymakers must increase the implementation of official rules, such as restricting alcohol, Khat, and tobacco product marketing to minors, prohibiting smoking in public places, and banning mass-media alcohol advertising. Specific interventions targeting at-risk populations, such as youth, are mainly required in prominent central and metropolitan locations.

“We must find a solution now”: The Ethiopian community-police relationships in Israel

Members of the Ethiopian community in Israel are over-represented in the police statistics, and their relations with the police are characterized by low levels of satisfaction. This phenomenological study aimed to explore the relationships between the Israeli-Ethiopian community and the police, through the eyes of young Ethiopian adults and police officers. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with 25 participants: 13 Ethiopian young adults and 12 police officers. The data analysis yielded five themes: personal experiences with Ethiopian community-police encounters, Ethiopian youngsters’ and police officers’ mutual perceptions, police discrimination of Ethiopian youth, Ethiopian community-police relations, and allocating responsibility for changing the situation. The findings are interpreted in terms of Social Identity Theory and Contact Hypothesis and illustrate how the interplay between conflicting groups’ identities and contact in a specific socio-political context shapes their members’ mutual perceptions and affects future encounters. Implications for promoting positive intergroup relations are discussed.

Evaluating Rural Ethiopian Youths’ Willingness and Competency to Promote Literacy Regarding G × E Influences on Podoconiosis

Introduction: Engaging youth as peer educators has yet to be considered to promote literacy concerning conjoint genetic and environmental (G × E) influences on health conditions. Whether youth living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could and would be willing to serve as lay educators of G × E education is unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of youth living in Southern Ethiopia was conducted from August to September 2017. Trained data collectors administered the survey on 377 randomly selected youth who ranged in age from 15 to 24; 52% were female and 95% reported having some formal education. Self-reported willingness and a constructed competency score were assessed. Bivariate analyses tested for factors associated with willingness and competency to serve as lay G × E literacy builders. Results: Competency and willingness were significantly greater (p < 0.05) for youth who were male, had some formal education, and had civic or leadership experience. Differences in median willingness were significant for youth who scored as more competent versus those who scored as less competent (p < 0.001). There were no characteristics that moderated the association of competency with willingness. Conclusion: Youth peer educator programs hold promise for disseminating improved G Χ E literacy and reducing stigma associated with deterministic misunderstandings. Thoughtful recruitment and training strategies will be needed to ensure that the broadest representation of youth in LMIC contexts has the opportunity to serve in this role, particularly girls and those without formal education.

What Happened to Ethiopian Youth during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate Ethiopian urban youth’s changing risk beliefs, contributing factors, and global south lessons in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with urban youth in Ethiopia’s East-Gojjam district. The findings revealed three major stages in the youth’s risk perception: the high perceived risk stage associated with early pandemic outbreaks, the steady decline stage associated with economic stress that outweighed perceived health risk, and the zero risk stage when all safety measures appear to have been completely abandoned. The government’s self-contradictory rhetoric and practice, the contradiction between religious teachings and scientific messages, and misinformation in social media are factors for the evolved risk beliefs. A major lesson from the global south is the active participation of key stakeholders in bridging the gap between government and society.

Time to First Sexual Experience and Its Determinants among Female Youths in Ethiopia: Survival Analysis Based on EDHS 2016.

Background The first sexual experience is the most significant event in a woman's life. Early sexual experience has short- and long-term health and behavioral risks. Studying the estimated time for a female to have her first sexual debut is important to reduce its health, demographic, and socioeconomic consequences. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the time to first sexual experience and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods A survival analysis of time to first sexual experience was conducted among 6143 weighted study subjects. The data were extracted from EDHS 2016 using STATA version 16 software. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was computed to estimate the time of first sexual experience. A log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival curves. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify significant predictors. On multivariable analysis, variables having a p value of ≤ 0.05 are considered statically significant. Results The overall median survival time was 16 years. The significant determinants of time to first sexual experience are educational level (no education (AHR = 2.72, 95% CI: 2.16, 3.39), primary education (AHR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.63), and secondary education (AHR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.77)) and wealth index (poor (AHR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.32)). Conclusion About 50% of female youths have a sexual experience for the first time before their 16th birthday. The timing of the first sexual experience in Ethiopia was mainly influenced by educational level and wealth index. Universal access to education and poverty reduction should be the area of concern.

Who prefers to stay? voluntary immobility among youth in Ethiopia, India, and Vietnam

ABSTRACT Far fewer people migrate than global disparities in wealth and well-being would lead us to predict, yet we know relatively little about why those who presumably have much to gain from migration prefer to stay in place. This article examines the motivations of young people who express the preference to stay put, and asks what individual and household characteristics are associated with voluntary immobility. Using survey data collected in Ethiopia, India, and Vietnam for the Young Lives Project, we find that the majority of young people surveyed envision a future within their home country, and between 32 per cent (Ethiopia) and 60 per cent (Vietnam) prefer to stay in their current location. Most youth prefer to stay for family-related reasons. Living in an urban area and engagement in farm work are associated with greater staying aspirations, but only for youth from the most resource-poor or the wealthiest households. Higher levels of schooling, wealth, feelings of self-efficacy and paid employment are consistently associated with diminished desires to stay, with stronger effects for youth from rural settings, resource-poor households, and women. Our results reveal the social patterning of staying aspirations and have important implications for development interventions that seek to enhance aspirations and capabilities of individuals to stay in place.

Ethiopia has a long way to go meeting adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health needs

Ethiopia has the second-largest youth population in Africa with about 37.4 million people aged 10–24 years. To meet the needs of this population group, adolescent, and youth health (AYH) programs, including those focused on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and youth development, have gained traction in Ethiopia in the last two decades, especially following the 2005 election in Ethiopia. However, adolescents and youths in Ethiopia continue to face a high burden of morbidity and mortality from multiple factors including, teenage pregnancy, unplanned pregnancy, compromised nutrition, HIV and STIs, unsafe abortion, early and child marriage, and unmet needs for family planning. To date, adolescents and youth-related interventions in Ethiopia are fragmented under various ministries, uncoordinated, underfunded, project-oriented, lack effective policy implementation, and lack meaningful participation of young people. Addressing adolescents and youth health and development issues require evidence-based, well-tailored, at scale, intensified, coordinated, and holistic national responses. Therefore, there is a need to advocate for a realization of robust government commitment to ensure a multi-sectoral, coordinated, at scale, and well-funded national response to address the multifaceted needs of young people in Ethiopia including their sexual and reproductive health. An example to emulate is the HIV/AIDS response in Ethiopia, which was led by a national council chaired by the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and spearheaded by a secretariat leveraging resources and implementing a multisectoral national plan down to the kebele level.