The Relationship of Parent-Adolescent Attachment Qualities and Self Efficacy to Sexual Risk Behaviors among Adolescents in Masha Town Secondary School, Sheka Zone, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Sexual risk behaviors are a serious public health problem and social difficulties among young people worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of parent-adolescent attachment and self-efficacy to sexual risk behaviors among adolescents. This study employed a cross-sectional correlational design. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires from a total sample of 267 teenagers167 (62.5%) males and 100(37.5%) females aged 14 to 21 years (M = 17.5, SD =1.14). Systematic random sampling technique was used. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of Pearson correlation analysis revealed that quality of parental trust, communication, closeness, and self-efficacy had statistically significant negative association with sexual risk behaviors (r = -.126, r = -.21, r = -.140, and r = -.116, p < .05) respectively. In addition, multivariable logistic regression results shown that adolescents who perceived strong parental communication qualities have had 2.323 times less likely engaged in risky sexual activities (AOR = 2.323, 95 % CI (1.226 - 4.401), p = .010).and also teens who perceived higher degree of sense of self-efficacy have had 16.82 times less likely engaged in highly risky sexual behaviors (AOR =16.82, 95 % CI (6.835 - 41.393), p = .001) as compared to the counter parts. Moreover, 74 % of total variance was explained by this model. Overall, the findings indicated that adolescents with strong parental attachment qualities and higher degree of sense of self-efficacy have had a lower probability to be engaged in highly risky sexual behaviors than the counter parts. The present study suggested that enhancing through incorporating parental attachment and self efficacy in reference to attachment and self-efficacy theory should be encouraged to foster safe sexual practices and protect against adolescents’ involvement in sexual risk behavior