| Peer-Reviewed

Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Received: 21 August 2014    Accepted: 16 September 2014    Published: 30 September 2014
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

Background: Early onset of sexual intercourse associate with increased lifetime prevalence of sexual partners that increase the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, or use of illicit drugs by youths associate with increased risks of sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and lower rates of condom use. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proportion of sexual initiation and associated factors among Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based study design was conducted from November to December 2013 at Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw 1012 sample students. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire method supplemented by focus group discussion. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were employed to examine the relationship between sexual initiation and selected exposure factors. Statistical significant association was determined using 95% confidence interval of adjusted odd ratio and p value less than 0.05. Results: Thirty nine percent of the participants had sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of which 129 (34.7%) were females. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.6(±1.9). Majority 262 (27.4%) of sexually active students had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years old. Being male [AOR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0], alcohol drinking [AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.9], khat chewing [AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.9] and watching pornographic movies [AOR=2.9; 95%CI: 1.9, 4.4] significantly associated with sexual initiation. Conclusion: There is high level of sexual initiation among the study participants. Significant proportion of students had multiple sexual partner and sexual practice without condom with non- regular sexual partners. The university and local health bodies should work together to address the identified risky sexual practices with particular focus on behavior change communication.

Published in American Journal of Health Research (Volume 2, Issue 5)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17
Page(s) 260-270
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Sexual, Initiation, Students, Associated Factor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

References
[1] United Nation Population Fund. State of World Population, People and possibilities in World of 7 billion. UNFPA 2011.
[2] Berhane Y, Mekonnen Y, Seyoum E, Gelmon L, Wilson D. HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia an epidemiological synthesis 2008.
[3] Ludicke F, Stalberg A, Vassilakos P, Major A, Campana A. High and intermediate risk human papillomavirus infection in sexually active adolescent females. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 2001, 14:171-4.
[4] Central Statistical Agency [Ethiopia] and ICF International. 2012. Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2011.
[5] World Development Report: Development and the next generation, World Bank, Washington, DC, USA. 2007.
[6] Agardh A, Cantor GE, Ostergren PO. Youth sexual risk taking behavior, and mental health: a Study of University Students in Uganda. Int J Behav Med. 2012; 19(2):208-16.
[7] Agardh A, Emmelin M, Muriisa R, Ostergren P. Social capital and sexual behavior among Ugandan university students. Glob Health Action. 2010:27(3): 5432.
[8] Certain H, Harahan B, Saewyc E, Fleming M. Condom use in heavy drinking college students: the importance of always using condoms. J Am Coll Health. 2009; 58(3):187-94.
[9] Adhikari R. Are Nepali students at risk of HIV? A cross-sectional study of condom use at first sexual intercourse among college students in Kathmandu. J Int AIDS Soc. 2010; 13(7).
[10] Kalina O, Geckova A, Jarcuska P, Orosova O, Dijk J, Reijneveld S. Psychological and behavioural factors associated with sexual risk behaviour among Slovak students. BMC Public Health. 2009; 9(15).
[11] Megan EP, Christine ML. Sexual motivations and engagement in sexual behavior during the transition to College. Arch Sex Behav. 2010; 39(3): 674–681.
[12] Tu X, Lou C, Gao E, Li N, Zabin SL. The relationship between sexual behavior and nonsexual risk behaviors among unmarried youth in three Asian Cities. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2012; 50: 75–82.
[13] Chi X, Yu L, Winter S. Prevalence and correlates of sexual behaviors among university students: a study in Hefei, China. BMC Public Health 2012, 12(972).
[14] Song Y, Ji YC. Sexual intercourse and high-risk sexual behaviours among a national sample of urban adolescents in China. Journal of Public Health, 2010; 32(3): 312–321.
[15] Liu A, Kilmarx P, Jenkins AR, Manopaiboon C, Mock AP, Jeeyapunt S, et al. Sexual initiation, substance use and sexual behavior and knowledge among vocational students in Northern Thailand. International Family Planning Perspectives, 2006, 32(3):126–135.
[16] Imaledo AJ, Peter-Kio BO, Asuquo OE. Pattern of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among undergraduate students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Pan African Medical Journal. 2012. http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/12/97/full/)
[17] Daniyam CA, Agaba PA, Agaba EI. Sexual behavior of medical students: A single institutional survey. African Health Sciences 2010; 10(2): 150–153.
[18] Okonkwo PI, Fatusi AO, Ilika AL. Perception of peers’ behaviour regarding sexual health decision making among female undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria. African Health Sciences 2005; 5(2): 107 -113.
[19] Adedimeji A. Beyond knowledge and behaviour change: The social-structural context of HIV/AIDS risk perceptions and protective behaviour among young urban slum inhabitants in Nigeria 2005.
[20] Rudatsikira E, Ogwell Aeo, Siziya S, Muula AS. Prevalence of sexual intercourse among school-going adolescents in Coast Province, Kenya. Tanzania Health Research Bulletin 2007; 9(3).
[21] Doku D. Substance use and risky sexual behaviours among sexually experienced Ghanaian youth. BMC Public Health 2012.
[22] Alamrew Z, Bedimo M, Azage M. Risky sexual practices and associated factors for HIV/AIDS infection among Private College Students in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. ISRN Public Health, 2013.
[23] Fitaw Y, Worku A. High-risk sexual behavior and pattern of condom utilization of the Gondar Collage of Medical Sciences Students, North-west Ethiopia. Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2002; 16(3):335-338.
[24] Tilahun M, Ayele G. Association of Khat and alcohol use with HIV infection and age at first sexual initiation among youths visiting HIV testing and counseling centers in Gamo-Gofa Zone, South West Ethiopia. BMC International Health and Human Rights. 2013; 1(2): 107-112.
[25] Mazengia F, Worku A. Age at sexual initiation and factors associated with it among youths in North East Ethiopia. Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2009; 23(2):154-162.
[26] Mitikie G, Tesfaye M, Ayele R, Gadisa T, Enqusillasie F, Lemma W, et al. HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance survey Ethiopia 2005, Round two2005
[27] Tura G, Alemseged F, Dejene S. Risky sexual behavior and predisposing factors among students of Jimma University, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2012; 22(3): 170-180.
[28] Dingeta T, Oljira L, Assefa N. Patterns of sexual risk behavior among undergraduate university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Pan African Medical Journal. 2012; 12(33).
[29] Molla M, Berhane Y, Lindtjørn B. Traditional values of virginity and s exual behaviour in rural Ethiopian youth: results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2008, 8(9). doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-9.
[30] Kebede D, Alem A, Mitike G, Enquselassie F, Berhane F, Abebe Y, et al. Khat and alcohol use and risky sex behaviour among in-school and out-of-school youth in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2005, 5(109). doi:10.1186/1471-2458-5-109.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Mulu Tilahun Yigzaw, Alemayehu Worku Yalew, Alemayehu Bogale Mesfin, Agumasie Semahegn Demisie. (2014). Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. American Journal of Health Research, 2(5), 260-270. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Mulu Tilahun Yigzaw; Alemayehu Worku Yalew; Alemayehu Bogale Mesfin; Agumasie Semahegn Demisie. Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Am. J. Health Res. 2014, 2(5), 260-270. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Mulu Tilahun Yigzaw, Alemayehu Worku Yalew, Alemayehu Bogale Mesfin, Agumasie Semahegn Demisie. Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Am J Health Res. 2014;2(5):260-270. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17,
      author = {Mulu Tilahun Yigzaw and Alemayehu Worku Yalew and Alemayehu Bogale Mesfin and Agumasie Semahegn Demisie},
      title = {Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia},
      journal = {American Journal of Health Research},
      volume = {2},
      number = {5},
      pages = {260-270},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajhr.20140205.17},
      abstract = {Background: Early onset of sexual intercourse associate with increased lifetime prevalence of sexual partners that increase the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, or use of illicit drugs by youths associate with increased risks of sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and lower rates of condom use. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proportion of sexual initiation and associated factors among Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based study design was conducted from November to December 2013 at Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw 1012 sample students. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire method supplemented by focus group discussion. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were employed to examine the relationship between sexual initiation and selected exposure factors. Statistical significant association was determined using 95% confidence interval of adjusted odd ratio and p value less than 0.05. Results: Thirty nine percent of the participants had sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of which 129 (34.7%) were females. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.6(±1.9). Majority 262 (27.4%) of sexually active students had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years old. Being male [AOR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0], alcohol drinking [AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.9], khat chewing [AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.9] and watching pornographic movies [AOR=2.9; 95%CI: 1.9, 4.4] significantly associated with sexual initiation. Conclusion: There is high level of sexual initiation among the study participants. Significant proportion of students had multiple sexual partner and sexual practice without condom with non- regular sexual partners. The university and local health bodies should work together to address the identified risky sexual practices with particular focus on behavior change communication.},
     year = {2014}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Sexual Initiation and Factors Associated with it among Addis Ababa University Undergraduate Students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    AU  - Mulu Tilahun Yigzaw
    AU  - Alemayehu Worku Yalew
    AU  - Alemayehu Bogale Mesfin
    AU  - Agumasie Semahegn Demisie
    Y1  - 2014/09/30
    PY  - 2014
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17
    T2  - American Journal of Health Research
    JF  - American Journal of Health Research
    JO  - American Journal of Health Research
    SP  - 260
    EP  - 270
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2330-8796
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajhr.20140205.17
    AB  - Background: Early onset of sexual intercourse associate with increased lifetime prevalence of sexual partners that increase the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, or use of illicit drugs by youths associate with increased risks of sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners and lower rates of condom use. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the proportion of sexual initiation and associated factors among Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional institution based study design was conducted from November to December 2013 at Addis Ababa university undergraduate students. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw 1012 sample students. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire method supplemented by focus group discussion. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were employed to examine the relationship between sexual initiation and selected exposure factors. Statistical significant association was determined using 95% confidence interval of adjusted odd ratio and p value less than 0.05. Results: Thirty nine percent of the participants had sexual intercourse at the time of the survey, of which 129 (34.7%) were females. The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 17.6(±1.9). Majority 262 (27.4%) of sexually active students had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years old. Being male [AOR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0], alcohol drinking [AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.9], khat chewing [AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.9] and watching pornographic movies [AOR=2.9; 95%CI: 1.9, 4.4] significantly associated with sexual initiation. Conclusion: There is high level of sexual initiation among the study participants. Significant proportion of students had multiple sexual partner and sexual practice without condom with non- regular sexual partners. The university and local health bodies should work together to address the identified risky sexual practices with particular focus on behavior change communication.
    VL  - 2
    IS  - 5
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Federal Police Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

  • College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia

  • Sections