Multiple Sex Partner and Risk Behaviour Among Secondary School Students in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania is realizing increase in adolescents engaged in multiple sex partner behaviour and premarital sex. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of multiple sex partner behaviour and risk factors among secondary school students in Moshi, Tanzania. Anonymously, questionnaires were completed by 360 students in six secondary schools randomly selected by gender and students' grade. The items captured in the questionnaire include sexual influence, and student sex-related knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics when appropriate. Of 360 students, 55% reported ever having sexual intercourse, and 18% reported having multiple sex partners. Of students who had engaged in sexual intercourse, about 60% reported having a single sexual partner and 40% reported having multiple partners. Demographics, family, peer influences, and student performance, knowledge, and attitude toward sex were risk factors for students having sex. However, risk factors for multiple sex partners included working in a places of entertainment, having current close friends falling in love, and positive attitudes toward premarital sex and multiple partners. Such students were also more likely to practice masturbation, start having sex at a younger age, have sex with married people and/or people who are not their "boy/girl friends" at first coitus. The study concluded that small but important subset of Moshi secondary school students are engaged in unprotected sex with multiple sex partners. We therefore recommend interventions to save at risk students.

Keywords: Adolescence, Sexual practice, Partners, Risk factors, STDs