Risky Sexual Behaviors and associated factors among high and preparatory school youth, east Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most of the sexual initiation and sexual practice of the youth start at secondary school level. At this stage students assumed to be exposed to many risky sexual behaviors. However, little research had been explored about risky sexual behaviors and predisposing factors in area of high and preparatory school level in the Oromia region particularly in East Wollega zone. The objective of this study was to assess risky sexual behavior and associated factors for risky sexual behaviors among high school and preparatory school youth. METHODS: School based cross sectional study design was employed to assess risky sexual behavior and associated factors among high school and preparatory school students from Oct 1 to 30, 2013. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Focus group discussion was conducted to support the quantitative data. Probability proportionate to sample size (PPS) used to determine the sample proportion for each grade (grades 9-12). The data was coded and entered into a computer using SPSS version 16.0. Final model was fitted by using adjusted odds ratio with P value less than 0.05 and considered as statistical significance and independent predictor of risky sexual behavior. Result: Of the total , 324 students participated in the study yielding response rate of 97.7% and 25.3% of students had sexual intercourse in the past 12 months of which 17.07% of students had more than one sexual partners, 11.9% of male students visited commercial sex workers and consistent condom use was very low(14%).Family connectedness [AOR, 95%CI .73(.67-.89)], attitudes toward sex [AOR, 95%CI 1.22(1.04-1.43)], khat chewing [AOR,95%CI 9.25(2.51- 34.07)] and had enforced by classmates for sex [AOR,95%CI 7.63(2.36-24.66)] were statically significant and independent predictors of risk sexual behaviors. Conclusion: In general, risky sexual behavior of school youth was increased by khat chewing, sexual coercive from classmates or teacher, positive attitudes toward sexual intercourse and reduced by high family connectedness and attending religious services regulary. In addition to parental connectedness and parental supervision, intervention that targeted on school youth like positive peer influence to encourage safer sexual behaviors among school youth is very important in reduction of risky sexual behaviors.