Risky Sexual Behavior and Associated Factors Among High School Youth in Pawe Woreda Benishangul Gumuz Region

Abstract

Background: Youths’ sexual behaviour affects their physical, psychological and social well-being leading to death. Youth are at high risk of Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) despite high level of knowledge about HIV/STI. Objective: to assess risky sexual behaviour and associated factors among high school youth 15- 24 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and supplemented by focus group discussion which conducted from May 10th to 20th, 2012G.C among high school youth in Pawe Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed. A total of 374 youth were selected using simple random sampling method. The data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16.0. Descriptive statists, bivariate and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed after cleaning the data. Statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Results: Out of the study subjects; 90 (24.1%) respondents were sexually active. Among the sexually active students: 37(41.1%) reported ever use of condom, 5.5% reported sexual contact with commercial sex workers and 26 (35.1%) reported having more than two sexual partner. Consistent use of condom was reported only by 16(43.2%). Seventy four (82.2%) had risky sexual behavior. Only 24 (26.7%) reported high chance of acquiring Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being in 18-24 age group (AOR=3.279 [95% CI: 1.79, 6.008]) and drinking alcohol (AOR = 9.1 [95% CI: 2.517, 32.9]) were associated with risky sexual behaviour. Conclusion: Considerable amount of school youth had started early sexual activity and have developed risky sexual behaviour that might predispose them to different sexual and reproductive health problems. Delaying sexual initiation and reducing risky sexual behaviour among youth can be achieved through well designed sexual education programs at earlier life in school.