Risky Sexual Behaviors for HIV Infection among Female Private College Students in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS risky behavior remains a critical health concern for young women for multiple biological and socio-economic reasons. Hence, the objective of the study was to assess the level of risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among female students in private colleges in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia. Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among female private college students in Nekemte town between April and May, 2014. A total of 422 female students in private colleges were randomly selected for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were done to identify predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Results:One hundred fifty six (38.4%) of the non-married (N=406) respondents had practiced sexual intercourse. Of these, 115(73.7%) were sexually active in the last 12 months. Of the total respondents who were sexually active in the last 12 months including the married one (N=131), 38(29%) reported that they had sexual intercourse with two or more partners. Among non-married females who were sexually active in the last 12 months (N=115), only 34(29.6%) reported to have used condom at their last sexual intercourse.Urban residence (AOR=2.4, 95% CI =1.3, 4.5), income deficit (AOR= 2.8, 95 % CI=1.5, 4.0), Income source (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=2.0, 9.0) and pornographic film viewing (AOR=10.7, 95 % CI=5.1, 22.5) were significantly associated with premarital sex. Level of study (AOR =2.0, 95% CI=1.3, 3.2), marital status AOR=2.8, 95% CI 1.8, 6.6), Living arrangement (AOR= 3.295% CI=1.3, 4.5, and pornographic viewing (AOR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1, 4.3 were significantly associated with multiple sexual partners. Similarly, condom use in the last sexual intercourse among nonmarried female students was significantly associated with level of study (AOR= 0.2, 95 % CI= 0 .1-0.9), Knowledge of HIV prevention by consistent use of condoms (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.0-8.0), pornographic viewing AOR= 2.7, 95 % CI =1.0, 7.6) and alcohol drinking (AOR=5.2, 95 % CI 3.2, 7.3). Conclusion:This study indicated that large proportions of students were engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Hence, Encouraging continuation of virginity as a cultural norm among those who have not experienced sexual intercourse and awareness creation on the importance of using condoms for each and every sexual encounter before marriage is recommended.

Risky sexual behavior and its associated factors among daily laborers in Arjo-Didessa sugar factory, Jimma Arjo, Southwest Ethiopia: An institution-based cross-sectional study

“…However, this study is lower when compared to the study done on the premarital sexual debut of the female school students in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia; risky sexual practice and associated factors among secondary and preparatory school students of Aksum town, northern Ethiopia, 2018, and in Nekemte town among private college students showed that respondents who viewed sexual films were 4.9, 10.2, and 10.7 times more likely to practice risky sexual behavior respectively. 28–30 This variation may be owing to the differences in place of residence and accessibility of the Internet and sophisticated mobile phone around urban areas.…”

“…This result is higher compared to the study conducted among private college students in Nekemte Town in which unmarried students were nearly 3 times more likely to have multiple sexual partners than married. 29 This difference might be that individuals separated from their parents start to practice risky sexual behaviors because they are out of control.…”

Sexual Behaviour and Attitudes towards Safe Sex of Youth Receiving Antiretroviral Care at Public Health Facilities in Palapye District, Botswana

“…To improve validity, a standardized questionnaire on "Asking young people about sexual and reproductive behaviour" by [19,24] was adopted. The standardised tool also improved reliability.…”

A Review on Various Aspects of HIV Infection

“…Several factors such as income deficit, Pre-college residence, pornographic film viewing and believe in sexual abstinence for HIV prevention were found to be significant predictors of initiating premarital sex. Younger generations could be advised to maintain the virginity as cultural norm and use of condom during sex before marriage is to be suggested [17]. Incorporation of sociostructural elements and geospatial techniques in analytical approaches would lead to better understanding of local dynamics and develop mediations that increase our facility of targeted HIV prevention services [18].…”