Top

BMC Women's Health

Published in:

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Sexual initiation and associated factors among young women in West Shoa, Ambo Town, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Digafe Tsegaye Nigatu, Asefa Seme, Shewaye Fituma, Mesfin Tafa Segni

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

For physiological as well as behavioral reasons, sexual debut increases young individuals’ risk for infection with sexually transmitted infection including HIV. It is fundamental to recognize the factors related to sexual debut in a broader context for designing and implementing effective interventions targeting youth.

Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study was employed from January to May, 2013 among females of Ambo town. A multistage sampling technique was applied. The participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Face to face interview using structured and pretested questionnaires were used to collect thedata from the study participants. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of sexual initiation.

Results

Three hundred seventeen (49.9%) of the respondents have ever had sex. The mean age at first sexual initiation was 16.6 (SD ±2.3) years. Being in age group 20-24 [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) & (95% CI) = 2.75 (1.74, 4.34)], Educational level [AOR& (95% CI) = 0.20 (0.08, 0.48)], being in school [AOR& (95% CI) = 0.19 (0.11, 0.33)], having paid job [AOR& (95% CI) = 2.20 (1.19, 4.07)], peer pressure [AOR& (95% CI) = 3.20 (2.08, 4.94)], alcohol consumption [AOR& (95% CI) = 2.17 (1.43, 3.28)], and pornographic materials [AOR& (95% CI) = 2.27 (1.43, 3.61)] had significant association with sexual initiation.

Conclusion

Substantial numbers of females had started sexual activity that might expose them to different reproductive health problems. In general age group, peer pressure, alcohol consumption and watching pornographic materials were found to be predictors for the sexual debut. Therefore, building life skills, establishing youth friendly clubs should be intensified.

Fhi U. Youth Net Assessment Team: Assessment of youth reproductive health programs in Ethiopia, A. Ethiopia: United States Agency for International Development; 2004.

Mazengia F, Worku A. Age at sexual initiation and factors associated with it among youths in north East Ethiopia. Ethiop J Heal Dev. 2009;23(2):34–48.

Miangotar Y, Thomas L. Association between age at first sexual relation and some indicators of sexual behavior among adolescents. Afr J Reprod Health. 2012;Spec. Ed. 16(2):21–5.

Central Statistical Agency (Ethiopia) and ORC Macro. Ethiopia demographic and health survey 2011. Addis Ababa: Central Statistical Agency: ICF International Calverton, Maryland, USA; 2012.

Taffa N, Sundby J, Bjune G. Reproductive health perceptions, belief and sexual risk taking among youth in Addis Ababa. Patient Educ Couns. 2003;49:165–7.CrossRefPubMed

Barbara S, Monica J, Ann K. The changing context of sexual initiation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Can be available online at www.popcouncil.org/publications/wp/prd/rdwplist.html, 2005.

Tilahun M, Ayele G. Factors associated with age at first sexual initiation among youths in Gamo-Gofa, South West Ethiopia: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2013;13:622.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

Seme A, Wirtu D. Premarital sexual practice among school adolescents in Nekemte Town, East Wollega. Ethiop J Health Dev. 2008;22(2):167.

HIV/AIDS Prevention and control Office (HAPCO). Behavioral surveillance survey in Ethiopia; 2000. p. 14–25.

10.

Yemane B, et al. HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia -an epidemiological synthesis. Washington, DC: The World Bank; 2008. p. 27–109. Also available at www.worldbank.org/AIDS.

11.

Zelalem F. Casual sex-debuts among female adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiop J Heal Dev. 2001;15(2):9–40.

12.

Mitike M, Yemane B, Bernt L. Traditional values of virginity and sexual behavior in rural Ethiopian youth: results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2008;8:9. 17-32.CrossRef

13.

Ismail S, Bitsuamlak H, Alemu K. High risk sexual behaviors for STD/HIV, pregnancies and contraception among high school students in a rural town, North Western Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Dev. 1997;11(1):29–36.

14.

Alemayehu S, Mesganaw F, Alemayehu W. Reproductive health needs of out-of-school adolescents: across-sectional comparative study of rural and urban areas in Northwest Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Dev. 2006;20(1):10–7.

15.

Campbell EK. A note on alcohol consumption and sexual behavior of youths in Botswana. African Sociol Rev. 2003;7(1):146–61.CrossRef

16.

Federal Negarit Gazetta of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The revised family code, Federal Negarit Gazetta, Extra ordinary issue no. 1/2000. Addis Ababa: The Revised Family Code Proclamation No. 213/2000; 2000. 4thDay of July.

17.

Richards-Shubiky S. Peer effects in sexual initiation: separating demand and supply mechanisms. Penn Institute for Economic Research. Department of Economics, Lehigh University. 2015;6:663-02.

18.

Ensminger ME. Adolescent sexual behavior as it relates to other transition behaviors in youth. In: Hofferth SL, Hayes CD, editors. National Research Council (US) panel on Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1987.

19.

Kebede D, et al. Khat and alcohol use and risky sexual behavior among in-school and out-of-school youth in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health. 2005;5:109. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/5/109.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

20.

Bellis MA, Hughes K, Calafat A, Juan M, Ramon A, Rodriguez JA, Mendes F, Schnitzer S, Phillips-Howard P. Sexual uses of alcohol and drugs and the associated health risks: a cross sectional study of young people in nine European cities. BMC Public Health. 2008;8:155. available at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/8/155.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

21.

Malaju MT, Asale GA. 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 Int Health Hum Rights. 2013;13:10. available at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/13/10).CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

22.

Ashby SL, Arcari CM, Bruce Edmonson M. Television viewing and risk of sexual initiation by young adolescents. Am Med Assoc. 2006;160:375–80.

Title: Sexual initiation and associated factors among young women in West Shoa, Ambo Town, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Digafe Tsegaye Nigatu
Asefa Seme
Shewaye Fituma
Mesfin Tafa Segni
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0563-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sexual initiation and associated factors among young women in West Shoa, Ambo Town, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 1/2018

Men’s awareness of cervical cancer: a qualitative study

Evaluation of human-papillomavirus testing and visual inspection for cervical cancer screening in Rwanda

Consequences of obstetric fistula in sub Sahara African countries, from patients’ perspective: a systematic review of qualitative studies

One in five women suffer from pelvic floor disorders in Kersa district Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

Factors mediating the impacts of child abuse and intimate partner violence on chronic pain: a cross-sectional study

Perceptions and decision-making with regard to pregnancy among HIV positive women in rural Maputo Province, Mozambique – a qualitative study