Predictors of risky sexual behaviour among pre-college students in Adama Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: the rate of sexually transmitted infection's, including HIV has increased in recent years in Ethiopia. Many adolescents and young
people still do not protect themselves against unintended pregnancies and STIs. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the predictors of
risky sexual behavior among pre-college students in Adama Town, Ethiopia. Methods: school based cross-sectional study was employed. In this
study 364 students were recruited from all pre-college schools in Adama town, Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were
used to examine the relationship between the outcome variables and independent variables. Results: the mean age at sexual debut was 16.1 years
(± 2.72SD). Social media usage for sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners were observed among students. About 7% of students used
social media for watching pornography. The odds of risky sexual behaviour were higher among social media users compared to the nonusers AOR =
1.23 (95% CI 1.13,3.12). Risky sexual behaviour was almost 4 times more likely among night club goers AOR = 4.294 (95% CI: 2.033, 9.073). Peer
pressure and substance abuse were also a significant predictor for risky sexual behavior AOR = 6.97 (95% CI: 4.24, 9.69). Conclusion: social media
use, peer pressure, substance abuse, and night club going were found to be significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour among pre-college
students. Thus, schools need to establish and strengthen reproductive health clubs to be able to equip students with required skills and knowledge
about sexuality. Parents should be aware of the dynamic behavioral change of their children, listen and attend to their needs