Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among high school adolescents in North Shewa zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: risky sexual behavior is one of the major problems among adolescents in Ethiopia currently that results in adverse sexual and reproductive health, such as undesirable pregnancies, unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with risky sexual behavior among high school adolescents in the North Shewa zone, Oromia region.

Methods: a cross-sectional study was used. The information collected from 386 high school adolescents was considered. The study used descriptive statistics, and logistic regression model to identify significant factors associated with risky sexual behavior. Results: the data showed that from total high school adolescents included in the study, 13.2% were ever had sexual intercourse and the mean age at first sexual intercourse was 16.05 ±

2.57 years (95% CI 14.98-17.12). Overall the prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 11.4% in the study area. The logistic analysis revealed, factors sex (being male) (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI: 1.479- 8.382), drinking alcohol (AOR = 2.387; 95% CI:

1.079-5.280), chewing khat (AOR = 3.850; 95% CI:

2.729-5.188), watching pornographic movies (AOR

= 4.068; 95% CI: 1.70-9.735), using Shisha/hashish

(AOR  =  1.649;  95%  CI:  1.217-5.603)  were

statistically significantly associated with the higher risk of practicing risky sexual behavior while discussion on sexual reproductive issues with parents was inversely associated with risky sexual behavior (AOR = (AOR = 0.339; 95% CI: 0.143-

0.806). Conclusion: the study identified sex, alcohol use, chewing khat, using Shisha/hashish, watching pornographic movies and discussion on sexual reproductive health issues with parents were the factors significantly associated with risky sexual behavior. Even though the prevalence of engage in risky sexual behavior is lower than most studies in Ethiopia, schools should give special cares for male students, alcohol users, khat chewers, Shisha/hashish users and students who watch pornographic movies, in order to decrease the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among high school adolescents.