Predictors of risky sexual behavior among Preparatory students in debrebrhan north shoa Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Adolescents often lack basic sexual information, knowledge and access to health services. Risky sexual behaviors are defined as sexual activities that may expose an individual to the risk of infection with human immune virus and other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and their complications. These risky sexual activities predispose young people to be disproportionately affected by reproductive morbidities including sexual transmitted infections including human immune virus. Objectives: To assess predictors of risky sexual behavior among preparatory students in Debrebrhan Town, North Shoa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study involving both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were conducted from 1-15 March, 2013. A total of _325 students were recruited into the study using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using structured, self administered questionnaire. The qualitative data were generated using focus group discussion. The data were entered into EPI-INFO version 3.3.1, and then exported to SPSS for windows version 20.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses were done to characterize the study sample and the distribution of the sample by risky sexual behavior. A multivariable logistic regression analyses was employed to isolate an independent effect of the predictors. Results: All the sampled students responded to the questionnaire giving a response rate 100%. Ninety one (28.0%) of the respondents was exposed at least one risky sexual behavior. A unit change of the student’s knowledge of unsafe sex decreases risky sexual behavior by more than 26% (AOR= 0.734, CI=0.598, 0.901). Those who live with single biological parent were 15 times more likely (AOR=15.288, CI=1.76, 132.62) to be involved in a risky sexual behavior. Similarly, those living alone in rental house were 9 times more likely (AOR=9.026, CI=1.71, 47.48) have risky sexual behavior, while, those living with relatives were 3 times as likely (AOR= 3.333, CI=1.274, 8.721) to have risky sexual behavior than living with both biological parents. Adolescents who discussed on sexual issues with their family were 0.065 times less likely to have risky sexual behavior compared with those who did not discuss (AOR= 0.065, CI=0.008, 0.514). Pocket income (AOR=2.763,CI=1.464,5.216) and having boy/girl friend(AOR=.078, CI=0.015,0.404) were also among predictors of risky sexual behavior for the respondents. Conclusion and Recommendation: A substantial proportion of preparatory students were engaged in risky sexual behavior. Knowledge of unsafe sex was negatively associated with risky sexual behavior. Therefore, school-based sex education programs should be designed and reach out beyond just the provision of information. More effort should make to increase parent child discussion on sexual matters and life skill to decrease engagement of school children in risky sexual behavior. In addition, inter-sectoral collaboration with parents and community should be established and maintained