Use of Jessor's Theoretical Framework of Adolescent Risk Behavior in Ethiopia: Implications for HIV/AIDS Prevention

Abstract

Objectives: To identify determinants of sexual behaviors among Ethiopian secondary school adolescents using Jessor's theoretical framework. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to examine determinants of sexual behaviors among 537 high school students aged 14-20. HIV risk and protective factors were identified based on a review of the literature. Focus group discussions and informal interviews were carried out to validate theoretical constructs and, together with the literature review, to guide questionnaire construction. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between each risk and protective factor and each sexual behavior. Results: Most students (64 percent male and 89 percent female) were not sexually active. Only 56 percent of the sexually active youths reported ever using condoms. Family involvement, age of boy/girlfriend, expectations for aca-demic achievement, and substance abuse were associated with at least three of the six sexual behaviors or intentions examined. Risk and protective factors in the personality, perceived environment, and behavior domains were associated with at least one sexual behavior or intention. Conclusion: The findings are consistent with Jessor's theoretical framework and suggest that risk and protective factors from several domains contribute to Ethiopian adolescents' involvement in sexual behavior. Recommendation: The findings of this study may be used to design culturally sensitive school-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Ethiopia. Recommendations are made on how to design school-based HIV prevention programs and to carry out further research on gender differences in sexual behavior and HIV risk factors among students and out-of-school adolescents.

Risky Sexual Behaviors and Associated Factors among Male and Female Students in Jimma Zone Preparatory Schools, South West Ethiopia: Comparative Study

“…This finding is similar to studies conducted in many countries (8, 34, 35, 36). Numerous studies recommended family interventions to improve parent-child communication, supportive parenting, and parental monitoring.…”

“…connectedness between parents and adolescents is linked to avoidance or lower use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and is less likely to initiate sex or sexual activity. On the contrary, poor-quality parent-youth relationships were associated with increased sexual activity (34, 35, 36). …”

Assessment of Sexual Risk Behaviours of In-School Youth: Effect of Living Arrangement of Students; West Gojam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

“…Many studies also indicated that secondary school students are becoming sexually active at an increasing earlier age [9][10][11]. This early initiation of sexual activity prolongs the period of exposure to risk of pregnancy and risk of contacting STDs, including HIV infection during the reproductive span.…”

Living with parents and risky sexual behaviors among preparatory school students in Jimma zone, South west Ethiopia

“…Family connected-ness is protective factor for risk sexual behavior. Several studies have found that positive relationship or connected-ness between parents and adolescents is linked to avoidance or lower use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and less likely to initiate sex [26][27][28] . Family supports were significantly associated with risky sexual behavior as protective factors.…”

“…This finding is also consistent with many other findings. Meta-analysis of "youth-focused" prevention strategies aimed at delaying sexual intercourse and reducing risky sexual behavior found no evidence of beneficial effects In contrast, numerous family interventions focused on improving parent-child communication, supportive parenting, and parental monitoring have shown effects on these outcomes [26][27][28] .…”