Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Early onset of sexual intercourse associate with increased lifetime prevalence of sexual partners that increase the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, or use of illicit drugs by youths associate with increased risks of sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and lower rates of condom use. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proportion of sexual initiation and associated factors among Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based study design was conducted from November to December 2013 at Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw 1012 sample students. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire method supplemented by focus group discussion. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were employed to examine the relationship between sexual initiation and selected exposure factors. Statistical significant association was determined using 95% confidence interval of adjusted odd ratio and p value less than 0.05. Results: Thirty nine percent of the participants had sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of which 129 (34.7%) were females. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.6(±1.9). Majority 262 (27.4%) of sexually active students had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years old. Being male [AOR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0], alcohol drinking [AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.9], khat chewing [AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.9] and watching pornographic movies [AOR=2.9; 95%CI: 1.9, 4.4] significantly associated with sexual initiation. Conclusion: There is high level of sexual initiation among the study participants. Significant proportion of students had multiple sexual partner and sexual practice without condom with non-regular sexual partners. The university and local health bodies should work together to address the identified risky sexual practices with particular focus on behavior change communication.

Risky Sexual Behaviour and Predisposing Factors to HIV/STI Among Students in Mizan-Tepi University (A Case of Tepi Campus)

“…This study is in line with the study conducted in Jimma and Tanzania [18,16]. Surprisingly a study conducted in Addis Ababa university reveals alarming number of students were addicted to porno film,745(78%) [6].The reduced number of porno viewer in our study may be due to unavailability of the access in the area.…”

“…Our study finding was showed, among 304 students that ever had sex, 211(69.4%) of them never used condom in the last 12 months of campus stay and revealed that having multiple sexual partner reduce the probability of using condom by half (0.5) unit (OR, 95%CI, .517(.295.904), P<0.05 ( Table 5). Our study is similar with studies conducted among students of Addis Ababa university undergraduate students, Jimma University [6,10] and very high than the study conducted among Haramaya University Students [17]. Substance use was a significant predictor of risky sexual behavior of students.…”

“…Of 135 (39.1%) were females and 171 (56%) were males. This result was greater than a study conducted among students in Jimma Zone high schools and Jimma university students respectively [14,10] and lower than a similar study conducted on Dilla University students [15], Tanzania students [16] and a study conducted among Addis Ababa University students [6]. Among students who experienced sex, 168(63.36%) were had sex for the last 12 months of campus life.…”

“…The use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances identified as one of the most important risk-factors among youngsters in secondary schools and colleges with consequent physical difficulties [13]. A study done among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, 308(40.3%), 23% and 6%were used local alcoholic drinks, chewed khat and smoked cigarette respectively [6]. Jimma University students used to attend nightclub had two times more likely to ever have sexual intercourse as compared to non-attendants [10].…”

“…During the transition to university, young people face lots of new sources of stress, including separation from family, the formation of new social groups, intense academic pressures and the balancing of social activities with academic and other life responsibilities [5]. ''The study done among university undergraduate students about sexual initiation and associated factors is very important, because of the fact that university students are many in number, live away from their parents and free from parental control'' [6]. Some studies have shown common predisposing factors comprising risk factors known as the drivers of HIV/AIDS that expose individuals to risky sexual behaviour and HIV infection [7,8].…”