Age at first Sexual Debut and Condom Use among in School youth in Debre Markos Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
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Date
2013-01
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Early initiation of sexual activity has been escalating among young people.and it leads
to risky sexual behaviors. This might lead to health and health related burden among youth. In order
to prevent this problem as well as to implement youth reproductive health (RH) programs effectively
conducting different reasearches is necessary.
Objective: To assess the age of first sexual debut and condom use among in school youth in Debre
Markos town
Method: A cross sectional study was employed in Debre Markos town from December, 2013 to
December, 2014. The study populations were secondary school students in the town. Seven hundred
students were selected from three secondary schools. Self administered structured questionnaire and
in depth interview was a method used to collect data. Data entered into EPI-info software and
analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test, bivariate and
multivariate logistic regressions were used.
Result: About a fifth (22.3%) of study participants started sexual intercourse at the time of the study.
The median age at first sexual intercourse was 16. Socio-demographic factors such as being grade
nine (AOR =5.5: 95%CI (1.2, 25.6), living with renting alone AOR=1.7:95%CI (1.2, 17.6) and getting
less than 100 birr/month pocket money AOR=5.1:95%CI(1.1,26.0)were significantly associated with
early sexual activity. Similarly, students who did not hear about the negative effect of early sexual
activity AOR=3. 5:95%CI (1.1, 11.2) and who did not agree with the idea of their parental connection
and supervision might postpone sex AOR=3.5:95% CI (1.1, 10.7) significantly associated with early
sexual debut. Majority 109 (69.9%) did not use any family planning method including condom at the
time of their first sexual intercourse. Those who planned their first sexual intercourse (36.5%) and
who had willingness to get condom themselves (36.8%) used condom more than their counterparts.
Those who got more than 200 Birr per month pocket money (AOR=5.7: 95%CI (1.1, 29.9) were used
condom more at last sexual intercourse. Among student’s community norms, lack of comprehensive
knowledge and misconception about condom is a reason not using condom during sex
Conclusion: Age of sexul debut among high school students was low in the town. Students’
knowledge about early sexual activity influence to start sex at earlier age. Parental connection and
supervision has a role to start sex at earliy age.Use of condom or other family planning method at first
sexual intercourse among student was low. Students who are not willing to get condom themselves
used condom lower than others.
Recommendation: In order to decrease early sexual activity, equip students with comprehensive
sexual health knowledge is a crucial work. This could be done by the collaboration of family,
governmental and non governmental organizations. Condom use at sex might be increased by
improving their willingness to get condom themselves. Awareness creation in the community and
avoiding misconception could be a a strategy.
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Age at first Sexual Debut and Condom Use among in School youth