Risky Sexual Behavior and Associated Factors among Youth in Kakamega and Kericho Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: HIV remains the most significant public health and developmental challenge in the world. In Kenya, just like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa,  young people aged 15-24 years bear the biggest brunt of the HIV epidemic. Lack of comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention, low condom use, low  uptake of HIV services and having multiple sexual partners, have been associated with these trends. This study set out to determine risky sexual  behaviour and associated factors among youth in Kakamega and Kericho Counties in Kenya.

Methodology: To achieve this, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among youth in Kakamega and Kericho counties, Kenya. Consenting young people  residing in these counties were the study subjects. Data was collected through structured interviews with young people using a standard  questionnaire and direct observation. The qualitative data were transcribed, translated and entered into NVivo software for coding and further analysis.  The quantitative data were entered into SPSS for descriptive and inferential analysis.

Results: Despite the youths in both counties having high comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention at 79.3%, they still engaged in risky sexual  behaviours and 60.6% were in a sexual relationship. The uptake of HIV testing was 58.4% with an HIV prevalence of 6.9%. Condom use was only 48.1%  and both males and females did not reveal irritation in the genital area to partners χ² - test showing (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study will  inform the design of an HIV prevention information package that will promote safer sexual behaviour among young people.