An applications of Bayesian multilevel logistic regression model on age of initiation for sexual intercourse among women in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, 333 million new cases of curable sexual transmitted infections estimated in each year. Approximately 11% of all births worldwide and nearly 95% of these birth occur in developing countries. In Africa region all female in Liberia and Kongo had first sexual intercourse at age of 18 has 78% and 77% respectively. In Ethiopia, 29% had the first sexual intercourse before age 15 years, 62% before age 18 years 58% marry before the age of 18, which can increase the vulnerability of early sexual debut. Methods: The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset were used and a total of 11962 participants reproductive age were included. Bayesian mul tilevel logistic regression model was applied to investigate the risk factors and regional variations in early sexual debut among women in Ethiopia. The prevalence of early sexual debut have been analyzed with factors like age, education, place of residence, wealth index, occupation, region, religion and marital status. Results: Out of 11962 (75.2%) had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years was early sexual debut among women in Ethiopia respectively. About 69.7% women to having experience of sexual debut where living in rural area and 30% liv ing in urban area. The odd of women who come from urban area 42.1% less likely (OR=0.579 ) to having experienced early sexual debut compared to women who come from rural area. Poorer was 20.3% (OR=1.203) times more likely to experience early sexual debut when compared to poorest women. The odd of women working is in creased by 13.6%(OR=1.136) compared to women who have not working. Bayesian multilevel random coefficient model is the most significant model and best fit to the data. Conclusions: Age, education, place of residence, wealth index, occupation and mar ital status was significantly affect the early sexual debut. Educational coverage and community-level of wealth status are important intervention area to delay the age of early sexual debut.